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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Published in:

01-10-2006

A Case Study of Binge Problem Gambling

Author: Mark D. Griffiths

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 4/2006

Abstract

Objectives

To examine the rarely reported phenomenon of binge problem gambling via a case study.

Design

A male 31-year old “fruit machine addict” was interviewed three times over a three-month period. The participant was diagnosed as a pathological gambler using both the South Oaks Gambling Screen and the DSM-IV criteria.

Results

The male gambler displayed a very unusual pattern of problem gambling that would best be described as binge gambling. The participant’s gambling binges were typically caused by very specific ‘trigger’ incidents (e.g., relationship break-up). Gambling problems appeared to be related to low self-esteem coupled with feeling depressed and having nothing else to do. Gambling problems were usually linked to other underlying problems. When these are dealt with, his problem gambling all but disappeared.

Conclusions

Binge problem gambling appears to be less serious than chronic problem gambling but can still cause significant problems in the lives of people it affects.

The author was part of the client’s defence team. The author was asked to provide a report on the nature of problem gambling to the court and to put the client’s gambling-related criminal behaviour into context.

In the UK, there is no legal restriction to prevent children and adolescents gambling on fruit machines. However, many amusement arcades adhere to a voluntary code of conduct of the British Amusement and Catering Trade Association, and do not allow those under 18 years to gamble on their premises.

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Title: A Case Study of Binge Problem Gambling
Author: Mark D. Griffiths
Publication date: 01-10-2006
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 4/2006
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-006-9035-7

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

A Case Study of Binge Problem Gambling

Abstract

Objectives

Design

Results

Conclusions

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Design

Results

Conclusions

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