Gambling, like sex, can easily be ignored as an extremely common, pleasurable, and legal activity. Many times, it is associated with trading or investing, and deemed as acceptable. The individual and his associates are quick to deny and reach for the most convenient rationalization. But the behavior is a very high stakes game, where friendships, family, finance, and reputations are all at great risk. There are two general types of problem gamblers.
Action Gamblers Almost all are male.
Gambling generally started early in teen years, and the individual is generally very bright, testing high on IQ tests. Their outlets are games requiring skill, including pari-mutuel, black jack, poker, sports betting, and recently, trading of stocks, commodities, futures, options, and bonds. Gambling conveys a sense of euphoria, similar to a drug induced high. Generally, very ego driven, controlling, risk taking, narcissistic, sociable, and, like the narcissist, in need of approval, affirmation, and confirmation. These individuals generally possess very low self-esteem, and has a tendency to bend the truth or lie.