GAMBLING  AND CRIME

Addictive behaviour and its link with criminal activity has long been an area of research interest (e.g., alcohol, and to a lesser extent narcotic drug use). More recently, the same arguments have been used in relation to links between crime and problem gambling addiction. For instance, studies from various regions worldwide suggest an association between criminal activity and easily accessible gambling, yet, despite growth in the commercial gambling industry, relatively little is known about the nature, extent or impact of gambling-related crime. Problem gamblers tend to be individuals who are chronically and progressively unable to resist impulses to gamble and that their gambling compromises, disrupts or damages family, personal, and vocational pursuits. The behaviour increases under times of stress and associated features include lying to obtain money, committing crimes (e.g. forgery, embezzlement, fraud etc.), and concealment from others of the extent of the individual's gambling activities (Griffiths, 2006). Criminal behaviour is most commonly associated with problem gamblers because problem gamblers spend more than their disposable income and often have to resort to criminal activity as a way of getting money to carry on gambling and repay associated debt problems. Law enforcement officials claim that gambling expansion inevitably leads to “an increase in enterprise crime and money laundering activity particularly relating to casinos...and an increase in illegal activities such as loan sharking, extortion and frauds” (Proke, 1994; p 61). Public opinion polls also tend to reflect a general perception that a correlation exists between widely available gambling and crime. For instance, a Canadian study by Azmier (2000) found that 64% of participants agreed that gambling expansion leads to an increase in crime.

Male gamblers are more likely to become violent, and as problem gaming worsens, the intensity of the violence becomes more severe. That’s according to a new study conducted by the University of Lincoln in England and published by the Addiction journal.

Researchers evaluated 3,025 men ranging from 18 to 64 years of age from various socio-economic backgrounds to determine if they had ever engaged in violent behavior. Violent behavior was defined as a physical altercation, assault, deliberately attacking someone, using a weapon, and other malicious acts.

The study also inquired on whether the violence was performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and asked respondents about their personal gambling habits.

Eighty percent, or 2,420 of the respondents, said they had gambled at some point in their lifetime. Shockingly, 50 percent of pathological gamblers reported being in a physical altercation in the last five years. And 45 percent of problem gamblers and 28 percent of those who identified themselves as casual gamblers admitted to being involved in some sort of fight over the same time period. Comparatively, only 19 percent of non-gambling males reported being involved in a violent situation.

According to a reserch of gambler’s anonymous (GA) members, 46% of respondents indicated that they had committed an illegal act. These crimes were frequently armed robbery, theft or fraud (such as writing bad checks), and other studies have shown that domestic violenc-,, abuse-, and neglect-related crime rates are also higher amongst problem gamblers.In fact, problem and pathological gamblers are between 3 and 3.5 times more likely to be arrested and/or spend time in jail! 

Gambling addiction is astronomically higher amongst inmates as well. One study estimated that problem gambling is 300% to 500% more prevalent amongst prisoners than in the general population. More recently, some deputies of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department – which operates the largest prison system in the country – gave unofficial estimates that 40% to 60% of inmates in low- and medium-security jails presented with signs of problem gambling – as much as 16 times the rate of the general population! Gambling addicts are also 2 to 7 times more likely to take illegal drugs, binge drink and smoke. Many experts have also observed that they drive high, drunk, distracted or sleep deprived far more frequently than the general population.

Gambling-related crime tends to relate to four distinct types (Smith, Wynne & Hartnagel, 2003). These are: 

• Illegal gambling – Gambling activity that is counter to jurisdictional regulations statutes, such as operating without a gambling license, cheating at play, etc.; 

• Criminogenic problem gambling – Activities such as forgery, embezzlement, and fraud, typically committed by problem gamblers to support a gambling addiction; 

• Gambling venue crime – Crimes that occur in and around gambling locations, such as loan sharking, money laundering, passing counterfeit currency, theft, assault, prostitution and vandalism;

 • Family abuse – Victimization of family members caused by another family member’s gambling involvement, (e.g., domestic violence, child neglect, suicide, and home invasion). 

Why do some problem gamblers turn to crime?

Generally, because they experience the following sequence of events: asset losses; accumulating debts; exhausting legal means of obtaining funds including drawing on savings and retirement funds; borrowing from family and friends; cash advances on credit cards; and loans from financial institutions or “loan sharks” - until committing a crime becomes their only option. Although the evidence is anecdotal, loan sharking is widespread in casinos. Problem gamblers who use loan sharks generally exacerbate their troubles because debts are magnified, as is the stress from worrying about not being able to repay the loan. 

The American National Gambling Impact Study examined the possible causal relationship between problem gambling and criminal behaviour and indicates that among those who have not gambled in the past year, only 7% have ever been in prison. In contrast, three times as many individuals who have been problem gamblers at any point during their lifetime (21%) have been incarcerated. 

SOURCE: http://www.calpg.org/impacts-on-crime-and-suicide/

SOURCE: http://www.internetjournalofcriminology.com/Griffiths_Betting_Shops_and_Crime.pdf

  

MOTIVATING YOURSELF TO STOP

If you are in a crisis situation and likely to self-harm immediately ask for professional help. Once you are no longer in danger of harming yourself you can continue with this advice.

First you need to decide if your goal is to become completely abstinent and never gamble again, or to control your gambling to acceptable levels. List reasons for and against complete abstinence and controlled gambling, to help you decide on your ultimate goal.

You need to be honest to your partner, about your level of debt and perhaps seek financial assistance.

If you are committing offences to support your gambling habit: stop any further offence immediately; take responsibility for your actions – accept the consequences, with legal help; discuss your actions with your partner.

Avoid drinking before or during gambling; talk to your partner rather than drowning your sorrows indrinking after losing; if you are dependent on alcohol and/or drugs, consult your doctor; in a crisis seek help immediately rather than turn to alcohol or drugs which may increase your risk of self-harm.

Keep in mind that overcoming gambling will considerably improve your quality of life.

You may feel ambivalent about giving up gambling – it is necessary for you to understand your motivation. Write down at least ten reasons to stop gambling and list them starting with the most important. Do the same for reasons to continue gambling. Compare the two lists – can you see that your behaviour is affecting not only you but also others close to you; your gambling arises from selfish reasons and causes problems in all aspects of life; your stress levels would be much lower if you stopped gambling.

Others can help motivate a gambler by: Not pressurizing the gambler to seek help, since nagging tends to lead to resistance to help. Ensure the gambler takes responsibility for action to stop gambling. Provide him or her with information on what help is available. Protect yourself against any debts the gambler may incur and remove yourself from being responsible for these debts.

Consider the benefits for yourself and others if you stop gambling. Determine your level of motivation – are you realistic in your goal?

SOURCE:http://www.haveigotaproblem.com/media/downloads/Motivating%20Yourself%20To%20Stop.pdf

PROTECTIVE FACTORS

While risk factors make people more prone to experiencing substance use, problem gambling and mental health issues, protective factors serve to help buffer or shield people from the effects of negative things going on in their lives. As a result, protective factors can help prevent or lessen problem gambling, substance use or mental health issues.

Biological Protective Factors

Just as the genes people inherit from their parents can make them more susceptible to mental health, problem gambling and substance use issues, people’s genes can also make them less susceptible. Also, people may inherit adaptive personality traits that serve to help them “bounce back” faster after depressing events happen to them. Likewise, people also could inherit a tendency to deal more successfully with anxiety-provoking situations, thus helping to protect them from developing anxiety-related disorders.

Environmental Protective Factors

There are many beneficial things one can do to reduce the impact of negative life circumstances. As described below, protective factors can include actions taken to increase coping with life stressors, avoiding substance use and problem gambling, and seeking treatment for problematic mental health issues. Just as substance use, problem gambling and mental health problems can be risk factors for each other, avoiding substance use or problem gambling and maintaining good mental health can help prevent problems in these areas as well.

Coping Skills

One category of protective factors involves developing good ways of coping with stress and improving overall emotional well-being. In general, coping involves creating a supportive and nurturing environment for oneself, developing skills for interacting effectively with people, and maintaining a stable living and working situation. Good coping mechanisms include:

• Learning effective communication skills

• Learning problem-solving skills

• Developing a good support system

• Learning to take responsibility for one’s actions and well-being

• Maintaining employment and a meaningful day-to-day routine

• Participating in recovery/support groups (for substance use, problem

  gambling and mental health problems)

• Practicing relaxation skills and enjoying life

SOURCE: http://www.ct.gov/dmhas/lib/dmhas/pgs/Cooccuringworkbook.pdf

BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS

Just as genetic makeup (biology) and environment vary from person to person, the way they interact creates a unique combination of risk factors for individuals.  Although the genes people inherit are out of their control, it is possible for people to take control of the environment and how they deal with that environment.  Addressing risk factors can reduce chances of developing or worsening substance use, problem gambling and mental health issues.

Biological Risk Factors

People can inherit from their parents’ genes that make them more or less likely to develop substance use, problem gambling or mental health problems.  Although the likelihood of developing one of these problems if one or both parents have the problem is not 100%, people whose parents have substance use, problem gambling or mental health problems may be at greater risk for developing them themselves.  The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fourth edition (1994) provides information regarding the increased risk for developing the mental health, gambling and substance use problems that will be discussed in this manual.  As can be seen in the table below, there is an increased occurrence of these disorders for individuals who have a firstdegree biological relative (i.e., close relatives like parents and siblings) with the disorder as compared with people in the general population (i.e., who do not have first-degree biological relatives with the disorder). 

was attributable to genes that influence both disorders.  These genetic studies strongly suggest an overlap in the genetically transmitted vulnerability of both substance use and problem gambling disorders.  One example of a biological factor that might contribute to risk for developing a substance use or gambling problem is differences in brain chemistry that make certain people more vulnerable to the effects of gambling, drugs or alcohol.  

Other biologically influenced characteristics such as personality traits, gender, and ethnicity also may affect how susceptible people are to substances of abuse and gambling and how likely they are to become addicted to them.  For example, some personality traits such as antisocial personality and impulsivity are associated with increased risk for gambling, alcohol and drug problems.  Females tend to be affected more by alcohol and/or drugs because of their body size and composition.  In terms of ethnicity, many people of Asian descent tend to have negative reactions to alcohol and, therefore, tend not to drink it as much.  As a result, they have reduced risk for alcohol problems when compared to other ethnic groups.  

Although it is not possible to choose one’s parents and the genes inherited from them, it is important to remember that genes are not everything a person is.  People may inherit a predisposition to thinking, acting, and feeling certain ways, but it is possible that people can change the ways they behave and feel and think.  Additionally, people can exert a great deal  of control over the environments in which they live and work, and, as the next section discusses, the environment can play a large role in how likely people are to develop mental health, problem gambling and substance use issues.

Environmental Risk Factors

Most often environmental risks involve some kind of stressor for the individual.  Stress may include life stressors, the relationships people maintain, and their health.  Stress can influence how likely it is that people will develop problem gambling,  substance use and mental health issues.  Likewise, gambling, substance use and mental health problems can become risk factors for each other.  In other words, using substances can influence gambling and both substance use and gambling can influence mental health.  Likewise, mental health can influence how likely people are to gamble or use substances. 

Stress 

In a more general sense, stress can be the result of trying to deal with negative things in the environment.  When people cannot adapt to stress, they become more prone to developing, or making worse, substance use, gambling or mental health difficulties, particularly if they are also at risk biologically.  Types of stress include the following:

Life stressors:

• Work (loss of employment, problems at work, new job)

• Moving to a new place

• Money (being unable to pay bills or having more money than usual)

• Being a victim of abuse or other  crime

• Housing problems (losing one’s home)

• Legal problems Co-Occurring  Disorders

Relationships:

• Death of a loved one

• Divorce, separation, remarrying

• Parenting (difficulties raising/caring for one’s children or having  unresolved           parent/child issues)

• Frequent arguments among family members and spouse/significant other

• Having few or no friends (lack of social support)

• Having friends who use drugs or alcohol or gamble

• Grief

 Health and Mental Health:

• Illness, injuries, or accidents

• Not getting enough rest or eating well

• Caring for a sick relative or friend

• Not dealing with feelings

• Abusing substances

• Gambling excessively

• Experiencing mental health symptoms

An example of a risk factor leading to mental health difficulties is the death of a spouse causing someone to feel depressed.  It is completely normal to feel depressed from time to time, especially after the loss of a loved one.  However, as will be discussed in upcoming modules, mental health issues that become too severe or last longer than is normal can sometimes become mental health problems that may require treatment.  An example of a risk factor leading to substance abuse or gambling problems is drinking or gambling to avoid dealing with emotional problems such as feelings of depression or drinking or gambling to cope with work stress.   

SOURCE: http://www.ct.gov/dmhas/lib/dmhas/pgs/Cooccuringworkbook.pdf

HERC TIME TEAM ON THE WORLD MENTAL HELTH DAY

World Mental Health Day (10 October) is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy agaist social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. This day, each October, thousands of supporters come to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on peoples' life worldwide. 

Herc Time Team

PSYCHOLOGICAL MISCONCEPTIONS IN GAMBLING

Many people gamble without giving it much thought – or do they? Psychology is actually involved from the start (“I feel lucky – maybe I’ll go play”) to finish (“I don’t want to quit when I’m down – maybe I’ll just play a little longer”).

If you plan to gamble, wouldn’t it be a good idea to first really understand how psychology affects everything, from the games you play to how much you bet to how you handle winning and losing?

Here’s a sampling of the concepts we’ll cover:

Optimism in Gambling: Good or Bad?

Some people tend to always see the glass as half full. In most areas of life, optimism is a positive quality, but in gambling, being too optimistic may be risky. Find out why.

Systems in Gambling: Trying to Make Sense of Randomness

The desire to make sense of randomness is natural. Over the years, countless gamblers have tried – without success – to develop systems to help them win. We’ll look at the faulty thinking behind many systems and explore why, with very few possible exceptions, betting systems just don’t work.

20/20 Hindsight in Gambling: Useful or Misleading?

Gambling would be easy if we could make all our bets after we know the results. It’s human nature to try to learn from our past experiences. Find out what you can learn from the past in gambling and what you should ignore.

Near Miss Beliefs: Close Doesn’t Count

Almost winning can sometimes be pretty exciting. Some people mistakenly believe that when you almost win on a machine, it means an actual win is coming soon. Read on to explore how “near misses” can affect how we think about gambling.

Hot and Cold Machines: There’s No Such Thing

A common myth among gamblers involves the idea that “hot” machines pay a lot and “cold” ones barely pay at all. Read on to learn why this just isn’t true – and where the myth comes from.

Selective Attention and Selective Recall: “I Only See What I Want to See”

It’s natural for us to focus on what’s happening right now, especially if it includes winning. Learn how our selective attention and selective memories can sometimes get in the way of seeing what’s really happening in gambling.

Unpredictable Payoffs: Learn How You Might be Affected

The chance to win can be very appealing. Knowing that every play gives you another chance to win can sometimes make it hard to quit. However, almost every form of gambling is based on a variable ratio reinforcement schedule, which means that the payoffs are unpredictable. Read on for a definition of this aspect of gambling and what it means to you.

Entrapment: “I’m Stuck at the Bus Stop”

We’ve all experienced the feeling of waiting for something that just doesn’t seem to be coming, whether it’s a bus, a phone call, or a friend we’re supposed to meet. When do you give up waiting – and what does this have to do with gambling? Read on to find out.

Don’t Get Caught Chasing

“The Chase” may sound exciting, but in gambling it can lead to disaster. Find out how to avoid the temptation to chase your losses.

Illusion of Control

Making bets, pushing buttons, choosing cards – these are all things people do when they gamble. But what do you actually control when you gamble? What do you have no control over whatsoever? Read on to find out.

Magical Thinking

Have you ever wished for something, and then it came true? Do you think your wish actually made it happen, or was it just a nice coincidence? Many gamblers look for magical intervention to bring them fortune and wins in gambling. Read on to explore how magical thinking might influence someone’s gambling and why these kinds of thoughts might be risky for some gamblers.

Superstitions and Rituals

Lucky numbers, rabbits’ feet, four leaf clovers, horseshoes – all are symbols of luck often associated with gambling. Read on to learn more about gambling superstitions and rituals, where they come from and why they can’t help you win.

Gambling and Keeping It Real

Exotic themes with waterfalls, talking statues, gladiators and fantastic prizes for the winning – none of these things would seem out of place in a major casino. Casinos offer a temporary escape from day-to-day routine; but don’t get too caught up in the fantasy. Learn some important tips for keeping your feet firmly grounded in reality.

SOURCE: http://getgamblingfacts.ca/psychology-of-gambling/