- With online gaming becoming wildly popular, gambling addiction numbers are growing. Research shows nearly 15 million Americans are at risk of problem gambling. There are different types of problem gamblers, including pathological gamblers, escape gamblers, binge gamblers and antisocial gamblers.
- Pathological gamblers have often had a friend or family member bail them out of debt due to gambling. They are unable to quit gambling for long periods of time. Gamblers of this type also increase their wagers over time.
- Gamblers of the "escape" type often gamble to escape emotional pain or life problems. Gambling often puts this person in an unemotional state. Escape gambling is more common in women than in men.
- Binge gamblers are periodic gamblers. This type of gambler goes long periods with out gambling and then goes on a binge that is usually costly. The binge is often caused by a surplus of money and often ends after a large loss.
- Antisocial gamblers often engage in criminal activity and scams. These gamblers may mark cards or try to cheat. These are not usually gamblers who commit a crime to pay off debts.
