The Line Between Avid Sports Betting and Gambling Addiction

The culture of betting in the U.S. has changed drastically after the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to individually decide on the legalization of sports betting. With this decision came widespread and rapid growth in the gambling industry and an opportunity for sports betting companies to capitalize on promoting gambling and incentivizing individuals to bet often and spend more.

Sports betting is now legal in 39 states and is available in one form or another in all 50 states. Research into gambling behavior has also revealed that more and more young people are getting involved with betting and view it as a normalized part of watching sports and of society in general. There are more individuals seeking out treatment for gambling addiction and uncontrolled sports betting behavior, specifically in younger men. Knowing the impact of widespread gambling, normal betting behavior and the signs of a problem can help identify and treat potential gambling addiction. 

The line between sustainable sports betting and compulsive gambling behaviors

It can be difficult at times for untrained individuals to distinguish between normal sports betting activity and at-risk behaviors. There are problem gambling warning signs individuals can be aware of that may indicate their betting is crossing the line into an addictive behavior. Signs that sports gambling has become problematic can include:

• Inability to cut back or stop betting despite honest attempts

• Increasing betting amounts to reach the same levels of excitement and interest

• Other areas of life are negatively impacted by gambling

• Chasing losses by betting more to try to win back what was lost

• Preoccupation with gambling - constantly thinking and/or talking about it

• Isolating oneself or withdrawal other regular non-betting activities

• Feelings of depression, anxiety or hopelessness around betting

• Lying about or hiding gambling from others 

• Shame or guilt accompany gambling behavior

• Borrowing money to bet or pay bills due to lack of funds after gambling losses

If betting or gambling behavior is negatively impacting your life and has taken a significant amount of time, money or emotional capacity, it may be time to seek out professional help to address gambling addiction. 

Can Gambling Addiction be formally diagnosed?

There are two different diagnostic tools that are used in the medical field to identify and diagnose various mental health disorders. The DSM-5 and the ICD-11 both identify, classify and guide treatment for disorders, including gambling addiction. Gambling addiction can be diagnosed utilizing these tools and help identify the severity of an individual's addiction as well. 

DSM-5

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) was initially published in 2013 and was last updated in 2022 and re-released as the DSM-5-TR (TR=Text Revision). The DSM-5 is used by mental health professionals, primarily in the United States, to identify and diagnose mental health disorders. This tool is also used to develop treatment plans and in the billing process with insurance companies. 

The diagnostic code for Gambling Disorder is F63.0. There are criteria associated with the diagnosis code that must be present and recurrent for a period of 12 months in order to officially be diagnosed with Gambling Disorder. Gambling behaviors can be classified as episodic or persistent and fall into the category of mild, moderate or severe. A minimum of four of the following nine criteria must be met to be formally diagnosed. The criteria include:

ICD-11

The ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Edition) is an international tool created by the World Health Organization that standardizes the recording, reporting, interpretation, analysis and data for mental and physical health conditions. This tool is used primarily by clinicians when diagnosing various conditions. The ICD-11 code for Gambling Disorder is “6C50” and has three variations:

• Gambling disorder, predominantly offline  (6C50.0)

• Gambling disorder, predominantly online  (6C50.1)

• Gambling disorder, unspecified  (6C50.Z)

Gaming disorder (6C51) is included with gambling disorder under “disorders due to addictive behaviors”  in the ICD-11. Inclusion in the ICD-11 supports the clinical recognition and research needed to help identity and treat individuals affected by both conditions. To be diagnosed with gambling disorder in the ICD-11, gambling behaviors must be persistent or recurrent and be categorized by:

• Difficulty controlling gambling behaviors (inability to limit time or money spent)

• Prioritizing gambling over other interests and daily activities

• Continuated or escalating gambling habits regardless of negative consequences (e.g., financial, social, occupational, or legal problems)

Gambling behaviors must result in a significant impairment on an individual's social, personal, educational or occupational functioning. This behavior must occur over a 12 month period or may qualify with a shorter duration if the diagnostic requirements are met and symptoms are severe. 

Is there a self-test for evaluating gambling habits?

It may be hard for someone to tell if their gambling behaviors are within a normal range or becoming a larger problem. While the warning signs may be there, knowing if you are suffering from gambling addiction can be easier to identify with a self-evaluation tool. 

Birches Health offers a free gambling addiction test that helps assess gambling behaviors that may indicate someone has become addicted. You can access the self-test here or refer a loved one to take it as well. 

Are gambling blocker apps effective?

Gambling blocker apps can be an effective way to help reduce and eventually stop gambling behavior in those with compulsive gambling addiction. There are multiple applications available on both iOs and Android devices with varying features and paywalls. These apps work by blocking gambling related websites, apps and content to help reduce the urge to gamble. 

Birches Health partners with Gamban, a leading gambling blocking app that uses multilayer protection to help keep individuals from accessing gambling sites. Gamban constantly updates its blocklist as new gambling websites pop up and is also downloaded to multiple devices simultaneously to provide complete protection from gambling sites. 

How prevalent is Gambling Addiction? Stats & trends

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has found that around 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the qualifications to be diagnosed with severe gambling addiction at any given point. Up to 8 million others meet the criteria for mild to moderate problematic gambling behavior. 

However, there are signs that gambling addiction cases are rising as accessibility increases across the country. Check out 10 Concerning Betting Trends in America that paint a worrying picture of the current U.S. gambling landscape. 

Gambling Addiction treatment options

If you or someone you know may be struggling with gambling addiction or compulsive sports betting, there is specialized support available. Birches Health has a nationwide team of hundreds of counselors that specialize in treating gambling addiction. Birches offers the leading insurance-covered gambling recovery program in the country, and it is available virtually online to increase accessibility and privacy. To connect with Birches and take the first step toward recovery you can:

• Book a consultation

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com