American Casino Guide is your ticket to all knowledge about casino gambling online in the USA. The online gambling industry in the US has taken a big turn for the bettor - pun intended - andnow the gambling options in America are opening up for players online.

Jul 24, 2018 Gambling is the wagering of something of value, usually money, on the outcome of an event or game. Key Account Manager - LAC – Contact (Latin America) Email. In the United States, both the Federal government and individual state governments are responsible for regulating gaming within their jurisdiction. The Federal government has designated some forms of gambling as prohibited within the US and has created laws that are non-negotiable in the regulation of such prohibited activities. Written by a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, professor and gambling scholar, Gambling in America examines the 'people, places, events, laws and policies, and concepts concerning gambling as well as gambling equipment.' The focus is on gambling in the Western Hemisphere.

There are thousands of games now at your disposal and loads of legal, reputable online casinos offering them. Gamblers in the USA can claim bonuses, play these games for free and win realmoney! Excited to find these bonuses? Check out our table above for all of the best options.

American Casino Guide is here to provide readers with an overview of the online casino industry in the US. We have everything you need to know right here, including tips on how to win yourfavorite casino games, how to find the best promotions and bonus offers, where to get your hands on casino bonus codes, and advice on finding the best operator to sign up with! Check out ourcomprehensive, honest reviews of all legal US casino operators.

Online Casinos in the USA

Why Play With an Online Casino?

Playing with an online casino will allow you to play casino games for real money from your desktop at home or from your mobile devices at any time.

Operators are taking the US market by storm with diverse portfolios and popular reputations. USA online casinos provide massive game libraries. Online casino games strongly resemble those thatyou would play in a land-based casino, however, when you play online you can enjoy them in the comfort of your own home or conveniently on your mobile device.

There are also live dealer casino games, which allow you to interact with a live dealer in real-time while playing on your own device.

Another great advantage of playing online is the opportunity to play for free! Operators are constantly dishing out new promotions and special offers. These offers can include free spins, freecasino cash, reload bonuses, and much more!

There are fun VIP rewards systems put in place by casino operators to ensure that you are constantly being rewarded. These VIP systems accrue points over time as you deposit money into youraccount. When you reach different tiers, you will receive different real money rewards and special perks from the casino.

How do we Review Online Casinos?

Our experts review online casinos by thoroughly analyzing each brand and all of the important assets. Comprehensive casinoreviews include detailed information on:

• Bonus offers
• Special promotions
• Loyalty programs
• Site features
• User experience
• Customer support
• Game selection
• Mobile apps
• Deposit and withdrawal options

How to Play Online Casino

In order to begin playing online, the site will ask you to enter certain information. You are required to include name, address, and bank information before gameplay, but do not be alarmed! Allof your data and personal information is protected by the most secure encryption when registering with a legal casino site. You do not need to worry about your data being shared. All of yourdetails, along with your money, is safe and secure with legal USA casinos.

How do you know it’s a Legal Online Casino?

Our experts are here to show you which online gambling sites are legal and regulated. We only review legal online casinos, therefore, you can rest assured you’re safe with us.

Legal casino operators are monitored by the state government and regulated for player safety and fairness. A casino that is regulated will ensure that your money is protected and the games youplay are 100% fair and safe. This way you can relax and enjoy your online casino experience.

Finding the Best Online Casinos in the USA

Finding the best casino to register with is a piece of cake, thanks to our expert team. We are here to help you find the top onlinecasinos so you can begin playing your favorite games.

First and foremost, you want to make sure the online casino that you deposit money into will provide you with your favorite online casino games. If you are really into trying your luck onslots, it would make sense for you to deposit your money into an online casino that is dedicated in providing the latest and most exciting online slots titles on the market. If you are workingon your blackjack strategy, then perhaps you should choose an online casino that provides many different variations of online blackjack.

We also take into consideration many other aspects including:

• Games selection
• Available bonuses
• Interface designs
• Mobile apps
• Response times
• Customer support

Legal Online Casinos in the USA

American Casino Guide is divided into different sections according to the state. This is because casino regulations and the legal issues around online casino gambling in the US depend onindividual state laws.

Which States Have Legalized Online Gambling?

There are many states that have moved forward with legal online gambling and out of those, several have legalized online casinos thus far. Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are the onlystates that have launched legal, regulated online casino sites thus far.

List of Trustworthy Casinos in New Jersey

New Jersey was the first state to launch online casino gambling in the US. Casino gambling is actually illegal outside ofAtlantic City, therefore all NJ casino websites must be affiliated with licensed casinos in Atlantic City.

These platforms use age verification features and geolocation technology to ensure that players are at least 21 years of age and playing within the legal jurisdiction.

It is recommended that you only trust websites that are partnered with Atlantic City casinos in order to avoid getting scammed. Casino sites that are not affiliated with licensed casinos arenot legal or monitored by the state.

The following are the licensed and regulated NJ online casino sites that you can trust.

• 888 Casino
• Bet365
• BetAmerica Casino
• Betfair NJ
• BetMGM Casino
• Borgata
• Caesars
• DraftKings Casino
• Golden Nugget
• Hard Rock
• Harrahs
• Mohegan Sun
• Ocean Resort
• Pala Casino
• PartyCasino
• Parx Casino
• PokerStars NJ
• Resorts
• SugarHouse
• Tropicana
• Unibet Casino
• Virgin Casino

How do all of these sites differ? They all offer different promotions and special offers. There are also great loyalty and rewards programs on the New Jersey market depending on which site yousign up with.

So how do you narrow down your options? American Casino Guide has thorough reviews of each online casino to answer all of your questions and narrow down your choices.

List of Legal Casinos in Delaware

Although Delaware is one of the smallest states in America, it also holds some of the best casino options in the country.Racetrack casinos, or racinos, have become a thriving business in Delaware and from there, online gambling sites have evolved. In 2013, just after the re-evaluation of the Wire Act, thefollowing racinos launched their online platforms.

• Delaware Park
• Dover Downs
• Harrington Raceway

List of Legal Casinos in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, online gambling is currently underway. Online casinos have been launching steadily since July 15th, 2019.There is a hefty list of those expected to go live on this date from the following casino operators:

• Harrahs
• Mount Airy
• Parx
• SugarHouse
• Valley Forge
• Presque Isle Downs

Casino Bonuses

Sometimes you are just after the huge bonuses, and there is no shame in chasing free casino money. Some operators offer bigger (and more frequent) online casino bonuses than others.

What are Online Casino Bonuses

Online casino bonuses are the best part about playing casino games online versus playing in a brick and mortar casino. Casino bonuses and rewards come in many shapes and sizes and unlockdifferent kinds of rewards.

Through registering with licensed USA operators, you can become eligible for a slew of bonuses and rewards. It is important to understand your bonus before using it to play casino games. We cansimplify that for you though.

There are ample opportunities to claim bonuses and play with free money when playing in an online casino. Because the market is so competitive, these brands will try to pull you away fromcompetitors. What’s the best way to do that? By throwing free money at you, of course!

Types of Casino Bonuses

Welcome/Registration Bonus Packages

Sign up and welcome bonuses are offered to new players. Practically all USA online casinos offer some sort of welcome package for depositing real money into your account. Most sites try to maketheir offers stand out from the rest, in order to win over those first-time depositors.

Welcome bonuses can include no deposit bonuses which can be claimed at registration. They almost always will include an online casino first deposit match bonus for new depositing players. Inaddition, some online casino welcome packages also include free spins or cashback.

It is important to note that a casino welcome package will usually come with certain requirements. These could require you to wager your real money bonus a certain number of times beforewinnings can be withdrawn from the account. It is always smart to read the terms and conditions before depositing your money.

No Deposit Bonus Offers

No deposit bonuses are a great way to try out online casino games without depositing your money onto thesite. Since the competition is growing in certain states, it is now easier than ever to find no deposit bonuses. A no deposit bonus is basically a free play bonus, rewarded to you just forsigning up.

Often times, US operators will offer special no deposit bonus codes so that you can try out the games on offer. With no deposit bonus codes, you can try out popular online casino games for freeand with no commitments or obligations. This is also a great way to learn how to play certain casino games, with no added pressure. The best part about a no deposit bonus is that you can playfor free and still earn real money!

Free Spins

Free spins are one of the most popular types of casino bonuses, allowing you to spin the reel on certain slots titles for a chance to earn real money for free. Free spins bonuses give you abetter chance of scoring bonus rounds. Bonus rounds can lead to multiplied winnings, exciting special features with bonuses, and sometimes even more free spins!

Best Casinos Bonuses

Finding the best casino bonuses on the market is as easy as following AmericanCasinosGuide.com. Our experts will show you exactly where to find the top bonuses in the US. We even read the Termsand Conditions for you!

We’ll tell you which deals are the best, and which deals you should pass on. Let us help you be sure that you’re getting everything you want, and nothing you don’t.

Online Slots

What are Online Casino Slots?

Online slots are the most popular casino games in America, created with high-quality technology and captivating graphics.

Most sites even offer free slots for you to try out before depositing money.

How do we review Online Slots?

When reviewing online slots, we break down many aspects of the game including:

• Return to Player Rates
• Volatility
• Bonus Rounds
• Graphics

Some of these factors can strongly impact the winnings that you take away from the game.

Slot Bonuses

Many slots come with real money bonuses. The majority of these slots bonuses come in the form of free spins. There are also online slots bonus rounds that can be activated randomly whenplaying, offering massive payouts and rewards. Bonuses differ from game to game.

Another form of slot bonuses comes in a bonus wheel spin. Bonus wheels are made of different sections including prizes, multipliers, free spins, jackpots, and bonus credit.

Then there are Pick’em bonuses, which reveal hidden prizes once activated.

Sometimes there are random bonus rounds for slots players. These bonuses are activated at complete random, during or after a spin. Random bonuses can turn a losing spin into a winning spininstantly.

Free Spins

Online Gambling America

What Are Free Spins?

Free spins are one of the best ways to make money playing online slots. Free spins are exactly as they sound - spins onthe online slot machines without having to spend any money.

How Do You Get Free Spins?

Free spins can be earned in a number of different ways.

When registering with an online casino, you will usually receive a hearty welcome package. 9 times out of 10, this will include a number of free spins to try out the casino’s most popular slotstitles.

Regular players can also receive free spins bonuses as a reward for their loyalty.

Another exciting way to earn free spins is through bonus rounds in certain slots games. Slots games with bonus rounds can be super exciting as you never know what rewards you will unlock!

Best Free Spins Bonuses

Hard Rock Casino has one of the best welcome bonuses around! If you register an online casino account with Hard Rock, you receive 50 free spins toward five select slot games.

• Day 1: 10 Free Spins on Starburst (RTP: 96.1%)
• Day 2: 10 Free Spins on the Guns N Roses Slot (96.98%)
• Day 3: 10 Free Spins on Divine Fortune (96.59%)
• Day 4: 10 Free Spins on the Jimi Hendrix slot (96.9%)
• Day 5: 10 Free Spins on Finn and the Swirly Spin (96.61%)

Other casinos offer great bonuses which allow you a large number of free spins.

BetMGM offers $25 in free play plus a 100% match bonus on your first deposit up to $1,000.

Borgata Casino follows close behind with $20 in free play and a 100% match bonus on your first deposit up to $600.

Depending on how much you deposit, that could be a lot of free spins!

Online Casino Games

Almost all of your favorite casino games can now be found and played online in absolute comfort. The online casino market in the US has unleashed a wide variety of games with the technology toensure fair play across the board.

What Are Online Casino Games?

USA online casino games range from the classic popular game choices to more unique titles that are exclusive to certain sites.

Before you begin playing, it is important to brush up on strategies and learn the RTP rates associated with your favorite games. RTP stands for return-to-player and refers to the likelihood ofwinning that game or the amount of money a player could win back from the game after a certain period of playing.

Where to Play Casino Games Online

We recommend that you play casino games at any legal and regulated online casino. You can access massive game libraries at online casinos and enjoy playing any of the games once you haveregistered and made a deposit.

List of Different Casino Games

Roulette

Online roulette is another favorite in American casinos online. This French game has evolved into many different forms. Onlineroulette moves much quicker than live roulette and the randomness of the wheel relies on a random number generator. American casinos offer versions of both online American Roulette and EuropeanRoulette.

Gambling In America

Blackjack

Blackjack is often a favorite amongst many different skill levels in America. The game is easy to learn and becomes more exciting as you catch on to card counting and more advanced techniques.Online blackjack is a great way to learn how to play the game and to practice your blackjack betting strategy without thepressure of other players sitting around you.

Craps

Online craps is offered in American online casinos with special features that are not available in the land-based casino versionsof the game. The rules in online craps are quite simple and the betting options are quite varied. In online craps, betting choices determine the course of action.

Bingo

Bingo is a popular game everywhere, and you can find many different variations of online bingo on US sites. Players purchase cards and the games begin at certain times. Bingo numbers are chosenvia a random number generator and then automatically painted to the player’s ticket.

Poker

Poker is one of the most popular betting games in the world. Online video poker is an online casino game for those who enjoy this game of strategy and skill. Video poker allows you to practicethe game of poker before playing at a live table under pressure. This game comes in many different variants including single-hand and multi-hand games. Different variations of online poker areoffered along with many different platforms, however, these are the most common:

• Jacks or better
• Bonus Poker
• Double Bonus Poker
• Deuces Wild

Once you have become a seasoned poker player, there are many online poker tournaments held through certain sites. Live dealer games are becoming increasingly popular.

Live Casinos

What are Live Casino Games?

Live dealer casino games are games played in real-time, allowing you to interact with a live dealer while playing on your own device. Live dealer games give you the thrill of a live casino withthe convenience of playing online!

How to Play Live Casino

In order to play live casino games, you will first need to be registered with a legal online casino. Once you haveregistered, you can then play any of the casino games offered to you in the game library. Live dealer games will have allotted times so be sure to check the schedules for the live casino gamesyou wish to play.

Live dealer tables vs RNG

Playing at a live dealer casino table is going to give you a much different experience than playing with an online casino game powered by a Random Number Generator (RNG).

Regulated online casinos are able to offer fair outcomes as these outcomes are determined by an RNG. This is a system that provides random numbers, cards, or symbols at complete random to makesure that the games being played have completely random outcomes. There are no patterns generated by this system. The RNGs are checked every month to make sure they are still delivering fairresults.

When playing a live casino game, the action is happening in real-time as you watch on the screen. You can watch the dealer hand out the cards or watch the croupier spin the wheel. There is alarge social aspect to a live dealer game as you can actually interact with the dealer and other players throughout the game.

Mobile Casinos

Although it may seem at first glance that Las Vegas and Atlantic City are the main casino hubs, mobile casinos are the next big thing, thanks to the evolution of the American gambling market.The great American casino is now right at your fingertips!

How Does Mobile Casino Work

In order to play mobile casino games, you must register with an online casino. This can be done online or on a mobile device. Online casinos offer mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.Once the registration process is complete, simply download the app and start playing!

Are Mobile Casinos Legit

Mobile casinos are as real and trustworthy as they come. Playing in a mobile casino is no different than playing in an online casino. All of your deposits and withdrawals are secured with thehighest levels of SSL encryption technology. With the technology used, it is impossible for third parties to intercept any data being sent. All software used comes from highly regarded softwareproviders.

Mobile Casino Games

Mobile casino games are almost identical to the games you would play on your desktop. Mobile apps offer a smaller selection of games, however, the graphics and layout of the games make theexperience largely similar to that of playing on a bigger screen.

Casino Customer Support

Customer support is a very important aspect of an online casino. Most operators will offer a variety of customer support channels for users. You will usually find

• Live Chat
• Email
• Phone Number
• FAQ Section

Popular Casino Payment Methods

• Visa - The most popular banking method in the US, Visa allows easy deposits into legal US online casino accounts.
• Mastercard - Widely used across the US, Mastercard allows deposits into most online casinos in the US.
• eCheck - Making deposits and withdrawals through your online casino account with the use of eChecks proves to be both convenient and safe. The funds travel from your bank account into youronline casino account and vice versa, seamlessly.
• Prepaid Cards - This payment option is beneficial for those trying to not overspend but still want the convenience of fast and secure transactions. Most online casinos in the US offerprepaid cards

Games Providers

Online casinos share many different casino games supplied by many different software providers. It’s important to make sure the online casino you register with offers games supplied byreputable software providers. There should be a wide selection of popular games

Be sure to consider the following when reviewing software providers.

1. Visually Appealing Graphics: Top providers should deliver games designed in the latest technology. It is crucial that games are available for both desktop and mobileplay.
2. Safety and Fairness: All games should be tested to make sure they are both secure and offer fair results.
3. Game Selection: Players should have a wide variety of game variations, especially in slots titles. Game libraries should offer nice selections for both desktop and mobiledevices.
4. Reputability: It is important that the games you play are created by reputable game providers. Look for providers who have been in the industry for a long time and haveproven themselves to be reliable.

Best Game Providers in the US

Some of the top providers include:

• Pragmatic Play
• Microgaming
• NetEnt
• IGT
• Playtech
• Realtime Gaming
• Betsoft

Legislation and Regulation

Online gambling is not legal throughout the entire US and more importantly, playing on an online casino is only legal in four states for now - NewJersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia.

In the USA, laws differ between federal and state legislation. Federally, online gambling can be made legal in any state. But if only it were that simple.

Online gambling laws were assumed to be defined through the state’s rights. However the problem arose when it came to interstate gambling. When money changes hands, it becomes a federal issue.This became an international issue as offshore casinos tried to lure in U.S. customers. This is prohibited by federal law. Still, many illegal casinos have operated under the radar, and fundswere not always safe.

How are Casinos Regulated?

Each state is now able to create its own laws around online gambling. The four states which have legalized online gambling are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia. This meansthat all licensed operators are controlled and monitored by the state governments to ensure player fairness and safety.

State economies are evolving as these states legalize online gambling, and these financial gains are encouraging many other states to follow suit. This domino effect of online gamblinglegalization in the US is spreading throughout the country.

The Risks of Playing with an Unregulated Casino

There are loads of illegal offshore casinos which cannot be trusted. The only way to be sure that you are playing fair games and that your data and personal information is safe is by choosing areputable, legal, regulated online casino.

When you play at an unregulated casino, you're putting your safety and money at risk. These types of sites have no protection and are the prime targets for hackers looking to steal money oryour personal information. We recommend avoiding off-shore casinos at all costs.

How Secure are Online Casinos?

Online casinos that have been deemed legal in certain states are very safe. All of the casinos we recommend are subject to random testings that are done on the games and software on thesite. Random number generators are also used by each casino to ensure every game has a randomized outcome for everyone who plays.

Every state legalizing online casinos has a Gaming Board to see over all of the gambling sites. New Jersey and Pennsylvania are two of the biggest hubs for online casinos in the country rightnow and both are very safe markets.

For a casino to avoid being shut down, they must see that all of the guidelines and rules are followed. The slightest misstep could cost an operator millions, which no one wants to risk.

Resources

Who Are We?

We are AmericanCasinoGuide.com, the best casino guide for US players. We are experts who believe that knowledge is money and we are well-equipped to enhance your online casino experience.

Whether it’s finding the best online casino to sign up with, discovering new bonuses, or understanding how slot machines work, we have it all! If your goal is to play online casino games andearn real money, you’re in the right place.

The more you know about each game and each casino, the more successful you will be. Although online casino games rely a great deal on chance and casinos almost always carry the edge, there areways you can increase your winning odds and enhance your overall online casino experience. Casino games are about having fun, but who doesn’t want to walk away with a profit?

Our experts have the best game recommendations and strategy guides you can find. We are here to guide you to finding the best casino and playing smarter so you can start maximizing yourwinnings today!

Why Trust Us?

The internet abounds with stories of folks getting ripped off by off-shore casinos. That’s why we at American Casino Guide only review and recommend completely legal, state-approved, andregulated casinos. You have the same protection for your legal online casino financial transactions as you do when buying from a store. You can be sure you are shopping smart by using ourcomprehensive reviews.

You can trust us because our experts love online casino games just as much as you do. American Casino Guide has been around for years, and we know the industry inside and out. Our experts arescouring the market daily, trying out new games, and searching for the best deals.

Online Casino USA - A Glimpse Into the Future

There are just a handful of states in America with regulations in place around legal online gambling, but it's safe to say we can expect much more in the future. Many states are currently goingthrough the motions of putting legislation in order for the regulation of USA online casinos and poker.

American Casino Guide experts work hard to stay up to date with the recent news on American online gambling laws. We provide thorough overviews of the industry along with comprehensive listsand reviews of online casinos in the US.

Many state legislatures are - at this moment - debating legalizing online casino gaming in their states. Legalization is rapidly changing, sometimes overnight, and our team is committed tobringing you the latest developments of online casino gaming in the United States.

Land-Based Casinos - The Complete Guide

In American Casino Guide, you have everything you need to navigate the land-based casino territory of the USA. The United States has a mix of many different land-based casinos. Depending on thestate you are in, you could find a variety of different casinos including:

• Indian
• Pari-mutuel
• Land-based
• Riverboat
• Casino boats

Our experts have compiled a plethora of information on all casinos in the country. You can view each casino in the US, listed by the state, as well as listed by the city. Finding reviews onthese is simple.

We provide the most honest casino reviews. In these listings, you will also find additional information on each casino such as:

• hours of operation
• casino games provided
• hotel rates
• maps and directions

Finding this information is simple. When navigating American Casino Guide, you will see a list of all American states. Here is where you navigate to the lists of casinos in each state.

Popular Casinos by State

Once you find the state of your choice, you will find an alphabetical list of land-based casinos in that state.Each of these is rated. You can read reviews on any of these casinos and find all of the information you could possibly need - from the types of games they offer to whether or not there is freeparking at the facility.

Popular Casinos by City

Want to get more specific? Search casinos by the city to find the list of casinos in any particular city on themap. The casinos are all rated and offer honest reviews from the public. Any information you need to know about casinos in the US can be found in these guides.

Land-Based Casino Promotions

What’s more, American Casino Guide offers bonus codes and coupons for casinos all across the US. Just browse through our promotions pages and find something special. Collect your promotions,read our casino reviews, and prepare yourself for the perfect outing at your favorite American casino!

Gambling is intended for entertainment, but if you or someone you care about has a gambling problem, get help now. Call 1-800-GAMBLER for immediate help or visit www.ncpgambling.org.

Gambling, for some people, is a leisure activity that offers a night out on the town enjoying time with friends and family, with a distant possibility of winning money. For other people, the stakes are higher. After all, gambling is a $40 billion dollar industry in the United States. In Las Vegas alone—the unofficial gambling capital of the world—the casinos bring in over 10 billion dollars from people placing bets. Though many of those people only gamble once in awhile, there are people who make gambling the center of their universe. In other words, they are addicted to gambling.

The temptations to gamble are everywhere and you don’t need to be in a casino to try your luck. Every state in America, with the exception of Utah and Hawaii, offer some type of legalized gambling—from old-school slot machines to sports-betting apps and everything in between. The accessibility to gambling has only amplified with the Internet. Based on various surveys in recent years, it is estimated that two million people in the US are addicted to gambling. But that figure has the potential to increase at anytime, because those same surveys revealed as many as 20 million people noting that their gambling habit had begun to interfere with their work and social life. That type of behavior falls into the category of “compulsive gambling,” which is the stage before gambling addiction.

What is Compulsive Gambling?

“The shortest version is that compulsive gambling is, as its name implies, a compulsion,” says Lance Dodes, MD, author of THE HEART OF ADDICTION: A New Approach to Understanding and Managing Alcoholism and Other Addictive Behaviors. “Compulsive gambling leads to an addiction, which is a psychological symptom that is well-understood and treatable with psychotherapy oriented toward that understanding. It is not a biological, genetic or moral issue, and it is not fundamentally different from other compulsive behaviors or addictions.”

Worried you or a loved one may be suffering from a gambling addiction?

Take our 2-minute gambling addiction quiz to see if you may benefit from further diagnosis and treatment.

Usually, people start out gambling for fun, and then they lose money they didn’t mean to, and they end up chasing that loss until all their money is gone. And in many cases, people are gambling because they have faced emotional and financial losses and they are trying to console themselves.

There is a misconception among many people that problem gambling, another term for gambling addiction, is not a big deal. “Most people don’t realize that problem gambling is a real disorder, just like alcohol or drug addiction,” says Shelia Moran, director of communications and marketing at First Choice Services, a nonprofit agency in West Virginia dedicated to mental health issues and problems. “They think it’s just a bad habit that can be easily ended. The good news is that we find most people who get treatment are able to successfully stop gambling.”

Gambling and Co-Existing Mental Health Conditions

Sadly, it is estimated that over 80% of people who suffer from some type of gambling addiction never seek treatment, no matter how bad their problem is. Other statistics reveal that while there are people who do seek treatment for their gambling addiction, over 70% end up returning to the world of betting. People with this type of disorder are more likely to suffer from other types of mental health and substance abuse issues. Many gamblers also have an alcohol disorder or addiction, and over half were nicotine dependent.

The emotional toll it takes on people is devastating, and in many cases a gambling addiction can also bring bouts of depression, and in extreme situations may lead to suicidal thoughts or tendencies. People with a gambling addiction are also prone to anxiety, high stress and extreme sadness. When a gambler loses everything, their life will suddenly become hopeless and they fear what the future might bring.

Gambling Addiction Symptoms and Signs

As with other addictions, there are warning signs to look out for. These include:

• Keeping gambling habits a secret
• Having trouble controlling their gambling habit
• Continuing to be involved with a gambling habit when they cannot financially afford to do so.
• Resorting to illegal activities to pay for their gambling habit

Physical symptoms of excessive gambling include problems sleeping, weight gain or loss, dark circles under the eyes and extreme headaches.

How can you tell if someone has a gambling disorder? The American Psychiatric Association has developed guidelines and says that a person requires at least four of the following issues to take place during the past year:

1. A person feels the need to gamble with an increasing amount of money in order to achieve the desired excitement.
2. A person becomes angry, restless or irritable when someone tells them to cut back on their gambling, or to stop it altogether.
3. A person will have unsuccessfully tried to cut back or stop gambling on their own.
4. A person has frequent thoughts about gambling, including reliving past gambling adventures, planning their next gambling outing, and thinking of ways to get money to gamble with.
5. A person will often gamble when they are feeling distressed.
6. After a person loses money, they return to try and “get even” (referred to as “chasing” one’s losses)
7. A person will not hesitate to lie to hide their gambling activity.
8. A person will jeopardize or lose a significant relationship, job or educational/career opportunity because of gambling.
9. A person will begin relying on others to help with money problems caused by their gambling habits.

Treatment Options for Gambling Addicts

If you suspect that someone in your life is addicted to gambling or a compulsive gambler, you should know that there is help. Here are treatment options to consider:

• “Behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy are recommended for compulsive gamblers,” says Katie Hurley, LCSW. “Behavioral therapy uses systematic exposure to the behavior to teach skills to reduce the urges, while cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhealthy and irrational thoughts and replacing them with positive/adaptive ones. Family therapy is another option,” Hurley explains.
• Apps can help instill healthy habits and encourage consideration of events and emotions that lead to compulsive behaviors. Addiction AVERT app can help curb cravings. BreakFree can help people who use their smartphones to gamble spend less time on their phone.
• Adaptive coping strategies like exercise, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, and meditation are all positive options. There are even meditation apps that can help anyone who doesn’t know where to start.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, as of 2016, there are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of gambling disorder. There is, however, emerging scientific research that has shown that medications can be effective in reducing the intensity of urges and cravings for gambling.

Finally, Gamblers Anonymous has been beneficial in the lives of people who have an addiction; however, they must first admit they have a problem, which is often times the most difficult thing to do. If someone is unable to find an accessible chapter of Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous addresses many of the same behaviors.

Just as anyone can become addicted to gambling, anyone can stop.

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