The dark allure of gambling
Community reporter, Jenny Jones, writes about the dark allure of gambling and its hidden costs to lives and communities. From what gambling harm is, to who is most susceptible and how gambling affects men and women.
Brightly lit betting shops on Victoria Road
By Jenny Jones | Illustration by Olivia Juett and photo by John Bowden
Most towns and communities are affected by a hidden harm, a well-kept secret that damages society, hidden behind a cloak of mystery.
It leads us into a fantasy world of fun and pleasure. We are enticed into this harm with promises of life-changing experiences, untold wealth, and a luxurious lifestyle.
A harm that is endorsed by celebrities, sporting heroes, charities, even governments. But behind these promises of a better life is a danger that sucks us in, possesses us, and lures us into a life of misery and angst.
What is this harm? Gambling.
Read more: Gambling support and where to find it
Gambling is one of the most insidious human vices as it gives us the impression there's easy money to be had. However, it can lead to financial hardship and other problems that have a far-reaching effect on our lives and the lives of others. While it provides pleasure in moderation, the brutal truth is it also causes so much harm and destruction.
The fallout from gambling disorders is often unknown to the general public. Gambling can be a secretive activity and information gathered from healthcare professionals, charities, and other agencies is not always shared or reported. Easy access to gambling sites through online and mobile platforms has increased the likelihood of people suffering from gambling harm.
Gambling addiction is now recognised as a mental health disorder and contributes to suicidal harm and behaviours that fall out of societal norms.
Who is more susceptible to gambling harm?
There seems to be a prevalence of gambling harm among young men aged 18-24, who are the highest group to report suicidal thoughts, attempts, and account for a number of actual suicides.
The amount of children gambling has increased. Some people think that games that give rewards might lead to addictions and the possibility of developing gambling disorders in adulthood.
Demographics, geography, social and cultural backgrounds also contribute to gambling harms. Deprived communities, where people can face poor physical and mental health, low life expectancy, low self-worth, and limited opportunities are more likely to experience the consequence of gambling disorders. However, even high-profile sports people, celebrities, and wealthy individuals have experienced gambling-related issues.
Is there a difference between men and women’s gambling?
Women’s reasons for gambling can be complex and varied. They may use it as an escape from isolation, financial restrictions, health issues, difficult personal relationships, or domestic abuse, extra childcare and caring responsibilities.
Women who have experienced childhood trauma through ill treatment, sexual abuse or homelessness are particularly vulnerable to gambling harm and secondary addictions.
Bingo is particularly popular among women and is the only gambling activity where they outnumber men. The gap between men and women's gambling overall has decreased as gambling online has become more popular.
Women often choose online gambling because of its accessibility, anonymity, and reduced stigma compared to traditional methods used by men. It can be done in private and in a safe environment. Many online platforms specifically target women with advertising that promotes colours and site layouts, free gifts and social chat rooms that appeal specifically to women. Continuous slot games with high frequency, high rewards and high variability have been found to be addictive due to the instant gratification experienced.
Women tend not to frequent bookies as there is a stigma associated with these male-dominated establishments. Bookies can be a hostile, unfriendly, dangerous and an intimidating environment for women.
Men’s experience of gambling
On the other hand, men often gamble as a social activity. They attend more live sporting events and are more likely to gamble at bookies, casinos and online. Men also exhibit riskier gambling behaviours due to the fact they may have less coping mechanisms and higher sensation-seeking traits. Statistically men are more likely to go bankrupt or engage in criminal activities and money laundering.
Looking forward
I have been affected by gambling harm indirectly as a child and directly as an adult. I welcome the chance to tell my story and to reiterate that my gambling history isn't the only thing that defines who I am. I have used my strength of character and my determined doggedness to achieve things that I aspire to be and to do. It has not been easy and I have succumbed to temptation at times. I am proud of myself and of the person I have become and look forward to enjoying a happy and fruitful life.