Online Gambling Negative Effects

When you think of the effects of gambling, certain things spring to mind. Like financial worries, relationship difficulties and other serious issues.

But you might not be aware of the emotional effects of gambling, which many people experience no matter how much or how often they bet. These effects start off small and often build up, causing stress in our lives.

But they don’t have to. Because if you understand what’s causing stress, you can take the pressure off yourself or help a loved one do the same.

5 Negative Effects of Online Gambling on Society #1: Money Laundering. Money laundering is a criminal activity where profits from illegal activities are transferred into. #2: Rigged Games. While there are loads of reputable online casinos out there, there are also some that aren’t. The negative effects of gambling have been researched, touted, published and spewed forth from the mouths of researchers and do-gooders for decades, yet there has been an astonishing lack of research accomplished on the positive aspects of gambling influences on modern society (or even past societies for that matter). The reason behind such. There may be a tendency to stay away from work, college or school in order to gamble. In addition, a preoccupation with gambling can lead to a lack of interest in maintaining relationships and a lack of motivation to engage in social activities.

Emotional stress from gambling

Gambling is all about emotions. There’s the fun of winning, the enjoyment of socialising or the familiar routine of some downtime on the pokies.

But there are other emotions too, like stress, regret and a little guilt, which most people feel at some point even if only briefly. It’s easy to forget about this side of gambling but these feelings often build up, even if you’re not gambling very much or very often.

And from there, you can find yourself feeling a little down – often without knowing why. You might be short tempered, easily annoyed or simply stressed. Suddenly, you’re feeling the effects of gambling.

It might not happen straight away, which is probably why many people don’t understand the negative effects of gambling. But it’s worth being aware that gambling is not all about the money. It’s about how it can make you feel and act.

How people are being affected

Is my gambling affecting me?

Gambling

Gambling can affect how you feel, no matter how much or how often you do it. Is that true for you or someone you care about? These checklists may help you answer that question.

  • I celebrate when I win but keep quiet when I lose
  • I think about gambling when I’m not doing it
  • I sometimes feel guilty after gambling
  • I’ve put off doing or buying other things so I can gamble
  • I’ve spent more than intended
  • I’ve snapped at family members or friends over little things
  • I’ve had trouble concentrating at work
  • I sometimes feel regret after gambling
  • I’ve found it difficult to unwind or sleep
  • I’ve been drinking or smoking more than usual
  • On a night out, I miss out on other activities because I overspend on gambling

If any of these are true for you, you could be feeling the effects of gambling. While this doesn’t mean you have a problem, it does mean that when you’re feeling stressed or down, gambling could be the reason.

By keeping this in mind, you can be more aware of the effects of gambling and be more mindful of your gambling choices.

Signs of harm from gambling

Long before it looks like a problem, gambling can be causing harm.

Harm from gambling isn’t just about losing money. Gambling can affect self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work performance and social life. It can harm not only the person who gambles but also family, friends, workplaces and communities. Here are some signs of gambling harm you can look for.

Initial signs of harm:

  • having less time or money to spend on recreation and family
  • reduced savings
  • increased consumption of alcohol
  • feelings of guilt or regret

Advanced signs of harm:

  • relationship conflict
  • reduced work or study performance
  • financial difficulties
  • anger
  • feelings of shame and hopelessness

If left un-checked, these harms can escalate or lead to more severe harms.

Help yourself

If you’ve noticed gambling is stopping you from achieving the things you want to, it’s time to tackle it.

How to reduce your gambling

Follow these practical tips to help ensure that gambling doesn't sneak up on you.

Regaining control

If your gambling is causing problems in your life, there are things you can do to stop it being an issue. You can take steps to change your life.

Money management

Consider these tips for managing your money to help you stop or cut back on gambling.

On This Page:

Approximately 10 million people in the United States live with a gambling addiction problem. A gambling addiction occurs when a person continues to gamble despite negative effects that may impact their finances, relationships, or well-being. Gambling addiction involves compulsions to seek out gambling, betting, and wagering, and the end result can be devastating for the gambler as well as his or her family.1

People who struggle with a gambling or shopping problem often hide their issues out of shame and a desire for secrecy.

This often delays recovery and treatment and allows a gambling addiction to lead to other serious effects, including loss of jobs, failed relationships, and severe debt. Problem gambling is often associated with mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Gambling problems don’t just affect mental health. People who have struggled with gambling benefit greatly from treatment and often also need family counseling and financial coaching to fully recover.

Christine’s Story

“You have to do the work in all areas of your recovery, including your finances. I chose to not do all the work necessary for a well-rounded recovery. Even though I was no longer actively gambling, my financial and legal troubles told me I still needed to work with a gambling addiction specialist. After my troubles occurred, I worked with a specialist for a year while I went through the legal mess I created.

“Now that I have reached eight and a half years in recovery from gambling addiction and alcohol abuse, I know it is my job, my duty, to be of recovery service to others. Life today is good!”

— Read Christine C.’s story and more at www.HeroesInRecovery.com

>>> READ THIS NEXT:What Is Integrated Treatment Really?

The Cost of Problem Gambling in Your Community

Studies have shown that more than $6 billion has been lost each year to gambling addictions. This problem is far-reaching and can cause both individuals and companies to panic and act in ways they would not normally act.1

Gambling addictions also place a severe hardship on prison systems, public assistance programs, and legal systems. There are many consequences of gambling addictions that result in community economic costs.

Some community gambling addiction dangers include:

  • Increased rates of unemployment
  • Bankruptcy
  • Fraud and check forgery
  • Forced home sales
  • Increased alcohol and drug abuse
  • Poor mental and physical health of individuals and families

How Gambling Impacts the Individual and Family

While the addicted person will definitely suffer during a gambling addiction, that person’s family will also face challenges. The stress that the problem gambler experiences may cause irritable behavior, secrecy, and arguments. Calls from creditors and bill collectors erode relationships. Financial strains impact all family members, and strained relationships make the experience difficult for even extended family members, friends, and colleagues.

The children of gambling addicts also suffer in many ways, including:

  • Emotional neglect and abandonment (and even physical abandonment) when one parent is consumed in an addiction.
  • Stressed and irritable parents may lash out at children angrily, and even if they do not, these children can sense their parents’ tension.
  • Children of people with gambling addiction are at higher risk of experiencing their own addictions later in life.

If You Can’t Stop Gambling, Your Life Will Be Forever Changed

Online Gambling Negative Effects Drugs

The effects of a gambling addiction are often quite clear. A large number of people who engage in compulsive gambling will use credit cards and debit cards to pay casinos or internet gambling organizations. If you engage in problem gambling, you will most likely incur debt, damage your relationships, and lose sight of your goals in life.

There are many ways that an untreated gambling addiction can change your life.

  • Family problems are very common. Almost all compulsive gamblers around the world have issues at home with their family because of their addiction.
  • Financial devastation is unavoidable. People with a gambling addiction will go to extreme measures to get money to gamble. Many people eventually resort to stealing, taking out large loans, or other desperate means that are out-of-character.
  • Job loss is very high among gambling addicts. Gambling addiction may lead you to miss work, or come to work distracted. Gambling addictions will interfere with work relations, promotions, and employment.

Online Gambling Negative Effects On The Body

No matter how bad a gambling addiction has become, it is possible to turn things around. Call us for help today at 269-280-4673.