Two Types of Problem Gamblers

Compulsive gamblers fall into two main types—action and escape gamblers.

1. Action gamblers

tend to appear egotistical, controlling, successful, and outgoing. They begin gambling because they believe they can become skillful enough to beat the odds.  This pursuit provides an exhilarating rush but as the gambling progresses, even the Action gambler is gambling to escape their own pain.

2. Escape gamblers

often gamble to escape from problems, feeling they can free themselves from pain while gambling. The pain they are often trying to escape is emotional pain; depression, relationship difficulties, changes in marital status, or the “empty nest syndrome” is particularly common for women gamblers.