Gambling addiction is a disorder characterised by a preoccupation with gambling to an extent that dominates a person’s life. Someone with an addiction will repeatedly prioritise gambling over things like social activities, work, family values ​​and general obligations.

Problem gamblers are dominated by an urge to play, even if the person can see that the behaviour is problematic. The pursuit of the intoxicating emotion overshadows the negative consequences of gambling behaviour.

We’re committed to promoting safe gambling to HLTV users. This page will break down how to recognise if you have an issue.

How does gambling addiction develop?

In most cases, gambling addiction develops over several years. Typically, gambling addiction develops in three stages.

– Stage 1 – Someone develops a greater interest in games and spends more money. The person also invests more time in research to increase the likelihood of finding winning bets. Gambling addiction often starts with a big win, and chasing that feeling again.

– Stage 2 – The next stage occurs when someone spends more energy and time collecting information. The gambler can still hide issues from family and friends. Consumption is increasing, but financial issues are still manageable. Gamblers in this stage often convince themselves that gambling is a sustainable revenue stream, failing to recognise the growing risks.

– Stage 3 – The gambling addiction develops and takes a central role in the person’s life. Relationships with family and friends are neglected. Debt can increase, and the gambler often isolates themselves. This could lead to a negative loop, where the gambler continues betting to distract themselves from these issues.

When a person develops a serious gambling addiction, it always has significant consequences for their friends and family. Problem gamblers often face financial troubles, but social isolation is often just as big an issue. 

Gambling Addiction Causes

– There can be many different reasons why a person might develop a gambling issue. It can happen to anyone and is not necessarily a lack of personal character or willpower. Some factors can put an individual at increased risk. We’ll list some common reasons below:

– Hereditary Factors – Genetics and family relationships

– Social Factors – Friends, co-workers and other social groups.

– Individual Factors – An individual’s mental state, biochemistry and personality.

– External influences – Media, advertising and social media.

All of these factors come into play and can jointly affect individuals differently. As such, there’s no way to identify a specific thing that leads to someone developing a gambling problem.

Who becomes addicted to gambling?

The simple answer is anyone. Problem gambling affects people of all ages and genders. Addiction can effect people who bet on CS2, esports, traditional sports, casino or anything really.

What issues can gambling addiction cause?

The issues caused by problem gambling also vary greatly from person to person. However, there are some common effects that everyone should know. Many people experience physical symptoms such as palpitations, stress, headaches, weakened immune system, sweating, abdominal and muscle pain and inner turmoil.

The mental effects can also be severe. Problem gamblers often experience difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, restlessness, depression and anxiety. Social isolation, compliance problems, irritable and critical behaviour are also common issues.

If you are experiencing difficulties with gambling, please do not hesitate to seek support and counselling from professional advisers.

Always practice responsible gambling. You must be 18+ to play.