Struggling with Gambling Addiction? Support is Available.
If you or someone you know is battling gambling addiction, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) or Gamblers Anonymous. For immediate support call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Gambling Effects on Health
Gambling can have both positive and negative effects on health. For some people, gambling can be a source of enjoyment, where people can experience a break from daily life, and also can act as a socializing tool where people can come together.
All this can have a positive impact on the mental health of the people. However, it is important to note that these positive effects of gambling are only applicable when gambling is done responsibly and in moderation.
Unfortunately, gambling can also lead to health problems, particularly if it becomes an addiction.
Gambling addiction can have serious negative effects on mental and physical health. Here are some of the potential physical and mental health problems that may be caused by gambling addiction.
Stress
Gambling addiction can cause stress in some individuals. The financial and emotional consequences of gambling can lead to feelings of anxiety and worry. In addition, the unpredictability of gambling outcomes can cause stress for some people.
Sleeping Disorders
Gambling addiction can lead to certain sleeping disorders.
- Difficulty falling asleep because of anxiety and stress, which can make it difficult for some people to fall asleep.
- Difficulty staying asleep, some people with gambling addiction may have racing thoughts or worries that keep them awake at night.
- Oversleeping, pathological gamblers can lead with changes in their routine, which can result in oversleeping.
- Poor sleep quality, gambling addiction can lead to poor sleep quality, as individuals may not get the restful, restorative sleep they need.
Weight Gain Or Loss
Gambling addiction can lead to weight gain or weight loss in some individuals. Some people with gambling addiction may eat more or less due to stress or changes in their routine. This can lead to weight gain or weight loss.
Headaches
Gambling addiction can lead to headaches in some individuals. Headaches can be a common symptom of stress, and gambling addiction can cause stress due to the financial and emotional consequences it can have.
Heart And Cardiovascular Problems
Gambling addiction can increase the risk of developing heart problems in some individuals. The stress and anxiety associated with gambling addiction can contribute to the development of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
Substance Abuse
Some people with gambling addiction may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the stress and negative emotions associated with gambling. This can lead to substance abuse problems, which can have a negative impact on health.
Stay Sharp
It is important to be aware of the mental and physical risks gambling has and to seek help if you are experiencing negative consequences.
There are many resources available to help people with a gambling addiction, including therapy, support groups, and medication. These resources can help people address the underlying causes of their mental health problems and improve their overall health.
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Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.
In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.
In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.
Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.
At RG, Sol keeps the focus on the reader by maintaining a standard of reliability and integrity in the information shared. Under his editorial direction, RG aims to provide practical insights into sports and sports entertainment that support a balanced and informed approach. Sol’s approach has helped RG become a go-to source for readers looking to engage responsibly and thoughtfully in the industry.
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
