Shah described 3 broad classes of gamblers: skilled, social, and downside gamblers. Skilled gamblers are characterised by self-control and rational decision-making, whereas social gamblers participated sometimes with out vital penalties, Shah stated. Downside gamblers, nevertheless, exhibit lack of management, compulsive betting, dishonesty, and vital monetary, occupational, and interpersonal penalties.2 He emphasised that people within the skilled and social teams may transition into downside playing over time.
Shah defined that playing habits was bolstered by the euphoric results of dopamine launch and the joy related to threat and reward. He famous that people usually gamble on underdogs as a result of they recognized with them, which may enhance emotional engagement. Early wins and peer encouragement may foster unrealistic confidence and false hope, resulting in escalating bets and makes an attempt to get better losses.
Shah additionally outlined 4 phases of playing dependancy: the successful stage, the shedding stage, the frustration stage, and the hopelessness stage. In later phases, people usually skilled extreme monetary losses, despair, substance use, and relationship or occupational impairment.
He highlighted medical warning indicators, together with preoccupation with playing, borrowing or stealing cash, dishonesty, irritability, and makes an attempt to chase losses. Shah careworn that playing dysfunction may have an effect on people throughout socioeconomic ranges and would possibly stay hidden for lengthy intervals. He concluded by emphasizing the significance of early recognition, affected person schooling, and monitoring, significantly amongst adolescents with entry to playing apps.
References
1. Cohen E. US on-line casinos: right here is the place all 50 states at present stand on legalizing web playing, on line casino play. CBS Sports activities. February 4, 2026. Accessed February 11, 2026.
2. Clark L, Averbeck B, Payer D, et al.