NCJ Number
126309
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
These observations of compulsive gambling, obtained through personal experience as well as objective studies, maintain that most regular gamblers continue playing, not because of addiction or money, but for the social rewards of regular participation in an activity.
Abstract
Regular gamblers seek social contact which is afforded them through attendance at gambling events and membership in a distinct social world; all members share a similar mindset and language. Gamblers focus their interaction upon their common activity and, although these relationships are exclusive of other interests, they become extremely important to the participants. These interactions have the benefit of not requiring commitments or intimate involvement; however, they cannot be sustained without participation in the actual gambling activity.