For many, gambling is a harmless pastime. But for others, it can spiral into a serious problem that affects finances, mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. If you’re wondering why gambling might have become a problem for you or someone you care about, you’re not alone. Two major recent studies help shed light on this question by identifying the most important predictors of problem gambling. Here’s what they found.
Gambling-Related Factors Are the Strongest Predictors
A Canadian national cohort study of over 10,000 gamblers found that the most powerful predictors of both current and future problem gambling were related to gambling itself
- History of problem gambling: If someone has struggled with gambling before, it is the strongest indicator that they may continue to do so in the future.
- Frequent gambling on electronic gambling machines: These include slot machines and other forms of continuous play, which are particularly associated with addiction.
- Gambling intensity: Higher overall time spent and money lost were linked with greater risk.
- Gambling fallacies: Beliefs like “I’m due for a win” or “I can control the outcome” are common among people with gambling problems.
- Social exposure: Spending time with others who have gambling problems, or having a family history of gambling issues, increases one’s own risk.
Psychological and Personality Traits Matter Too
Beyond gambling behaviors, certain personal traits also increase risk:
- Impulsivity: People who have difficulty controlling their impulses are more likely to develop gambling problems.
- Low income: Those with lower household incomes were more likely to be problem gamblers, possibly due to the perceived potential for gambling to improve financial circumstances.
These findings align with a broad body of international research showing that impulsivity is a consistent and significant risk factor for gambling disorder
Mental Health and Substance Use Comorbidity
Problem gambling often occurs alongside other issues. The Canadian study identified high rates of co-occurring mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Substance use disorders, particularly involving alcohol and cannabis, were also common among those with gambling problems
The systematic review by Moreira and colleagues (2023) confirmed these patterns, noting strong associations between gambling disorder and other addictions and psychiatric conditions
Demographic and Life Circumstances Play a Role
While less predictive than direct gambling behaviors and psychological traits, certain demographic and life variables were also linked to increased risk:
- Being male, young, single, or living alone was associated with higher rates of gambling problems.
- A family background involving addiction or being raised in a single-parent home were also noted risk factors.
What People Themselves Say Causes Their Gambling Problems
The Canadian cohort study also asked problem gamblers what they believed caused their issues. Their answers were usually short and focused on psychological or emotional struggles, such as:
- Trying to win money
- Gambling due to boredom or stress
- Experiencing poor self-control
These self-reports emphasize emotional regulation and financial hope as central motivations, suggesting that any effective prevention or treatment must take these human factors into account.
Final Thoughts
Problem gambling doesn’t arise from a single factor. It’s influenced by a mix of behavioral patterns, psychological traits, and life circumstances. The most important takeaway from these studies is that there are identifiable risk factors. That means prevention is possible, and support can be tailored to address the specific needs of each individual.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, know that help is available—and understanding these risk factors is a powerful first step toward change.
Worried about gambling? Book a free 15-minute call to explore what support could look like.
Resources
Moreira, D., Azeredo, A., & Dias, P. (2023). Risk factors for gambling disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Gambling Studies, 39(2), 483-511. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10195-1
Williams, R. J., Shaw, C. A., Belanger, Y. D., Christensen, D. R., el-Guebaly, N., Hodgins, D. C., McGrath, D. S., & Stevens, R. M. G. (2023). Etiology of problem gambling in canada. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 37(3), 483-498. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000843