Stages of Gambling
Sometimes it is helpful to look at the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that occupy people who gamble. The following chart offers a rough summary of these. While gambling comes in many forms, there are common stages of thinking, feeling and doing.
LATE PROBLEM Stage:
| Time Period | Thoughts and Feelings |
| When not gambling [at work, play, sleep and so on; not gambling, not decided to gamble] | Almost any emotional stress (good or bad) triggers thoughts of gambling. If busy at something is not bothered to stop and go gamble. Boredom is a trigger for thoughts of gambling. Is looking for opportunities to gamble over most other entertainment. |
| Preparing to go gamble [from the time the decision is made to gamble to when the gambling starts] | Elevated excitement and anticipation of winning. Believes “this is my time.” Can’t wait to get there. Turns off cell phone, protects this “special” time. |
| While gambling [actually gambling] | Large emotional swings based on success. Might be angry or overjoyed with self or others. Magical thinking(2). Doesn’t want to be bothered by others. Might enter “The zone” and lose track of time. Chases losses with credit cards or other means. |
| Right after gambling [the half hour or so after gambling] | If lost is angry, making plans to win it back. Some paranoia about the casino or life in general because a gambler should win. Elaborate planning to explain everything to spouse, work, self, etc. Lies about wins and losses. If won is ecstatic, brags, flashes money and good luck. |
(2) Magical thinking = belief that certain rituals or special thoughts will affect the gambler’s success.
