It is like many other addictions, it thrives in secrecy, says local expert
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Addiction to many people means a harmful reliance on a substance. Addiction to gambling represents reliance on an activity.
People addicted to gambling may feel ashamed of how much they lose, gamble frequently, attempt to make up for losses by gambling more, sell or steal items to sell so they can gamble the proceeds and feel strongly compelled to gamble.
In addition to New York’s 34 casinos (including the federally licensed tribal casinos and gaming places), access to gambling includes racetracks, off-track betting and online gambling.
Legal in New York since 2022, online sports betting has become particularly popular. New Jersey experienced a 277% increase in calls to gambling helplines since the state legalized online sports betting in 2018. Most of those calling are ages 34 and younger. Figures for New York are not yet available.
More than 28% of adult equaling 85 – 90 million people habitually gamble online. Although not all of these have a gambling problem, the statistics speak to the popularity of gambling.
Headquartered in New York City but with therapists available locally nationwide, Birches Health focuses on digital addictions, specializing in gambling addiction.
“Birches exists to make sure individuals and their loved ones who are struggling with gambling and sports betting can get the help they need,” said Elliott Rapaport, founder and CEO of Birches Health.
He believes that multiple barriers to care for those seeking help include shame for wasting family resources; social stigma; and lack of nearby and affordable mental healthcare. Birches’ therapists are available online so patients can receive therapy from home.
Increasing access is vital part of how Birches delivers its customized, long-term treatment plans.
“Gambling is truly here to stay,” Rapaport said. “We exist in a world where anyone can be placing bets and it’s the entry point for a lot of people. It’s not even bitcoin or day trading. The access is unparalleled and nonstop.
Compared with traditional addiction with substance and alcohol, what many don’t know is more Americans get addicted to gambling. It has the highest association with suicide and financial ruination.”
Gambling addiction affects patients’ finances, employment, family and friends. That’s why Birches includes individual, family, couples and group therapy options. Financial counseling is also available.
Recovery begins relatively soon. Rapaport said that 85% of patients report improvement in their gambling symptoms after nine sessions.
Before this can become reality, patients need to “recognize that gambling is a problem and is not something you can just stop doing,” said Carl W. Christensen, licensed clinical social worker practicing in Rochester. “If it’s a behavior, it’s a compulsion and an obsession. It’s involuntary as far as being able to say, ‘I’m just not going to do that.’”
The reason that gambling can become an addiction is that the action begins to offer secondary rewards beyond a mild diversion and a win.
People also need to look at their situation factually. Gambling can drain bank accounts and credit accounts, deprive family members from what they need and cause relationship and employment problems as more and more time is spent gambling.
“You need to come to grips with it as far as figuring out what to do about it,” Christensen said. “One thing I found in 40 years of doing this work is, it’s like many other addictions, it thrives in secrecy. In terms of managing it, the first thing is to face it as a problem and realize you don’t have volitional control. Don’t keep it a secret. People affected by it should share in that and talk with them. Gambling addiction thrives in the dark.”
Addressing underlying mental health problems, trauma and relationship issues can help people holistically address some of the reason they gamble, in addition to addressing the gambling problem itself.
Christensen said that talking about gambling rationally, such as the infinitesimal chances of “winning big” can help people realize that the odds are against them. It’s not a lack of luck but the hard fact of statistics lowering their probability of winning.
Of course, not everyone who gambles has a gambling problem.
“Someone who buys a lottery ticket once a week is not necessarily addicted to gambling compared with someone who is willing to throw away a lot of money,” Christensen said. “If your children are going hungry and you can’t pay the light bill, that’s a problem.”
For resources related to problem gambling, visit the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports at https://oasas.ny.gov/gambling.
Among its tools, the site provides a voluntary self-exclusion opportunity that aids people in banning themselves from numerous forms of gambling in increments from one year to life.