Problem Gambling

Problem Gambling

People sometimes call problem gambling ludomania. Problem gambling is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or personal desire to stop. Problem gambling often means that the gambler hurts other people. Severe problem gambling is clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria. Although the term gambling addiction is common in the recovery movement, pathological gambling is an impulse control disorder and is therefore not an addiction according to the American Psychological Association.

A study by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, called the British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2007, found that approximately 0.6% of the adult population had problem gambling issues, the same percentage as in 1999. The highest prevalence of problem gambling is amongst those who participated in spread betting 14.7%, fixed odds betting terminals 11.2% and betting exchanges 9.8%.

Research by governments in Australia led to a universal definition of problem gambling, which appears to be the only research based definition not to use diagnostic criteria. Problem gambling involves many difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others or for the community. Most other definitions of problem gambling can usually be simplified to any gambling that causes harm to the gambler or someone else in any way. However, these definitions are usually coupled with descriptions of the type of harm or the use of diagnostic criteria. According to DSM-IV, pathological gambling is separate from a manic episode. When the gambling occurs independent of other impulsive, mood or thought disorders is becomes its own diagnosis.

Available research seems to indicate that problem gambling is an internal tendency and that problem gamblers will tend to risk money on whatever game may be available, rather than a particular game being available. However, research also indicates that problem gamblers tend to risk money on fast paced games. A problem gambler is much more likely to lose a lot of money on roulette or slot machines, where rounds end quickly and there is a constant temptation to play again or increase bets, as opposed to a state lottery where the gambler must wait until the next drawing to see results.

Most treatment for problem gambling involves counseling, programs with steps to recover, self help, peer support, medication or a combination of these. However, no one treatment is most efficacious and the United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved medications for the treatment of pathological gambling.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps reduce symptoms and urges related to gambling. This type of therapy focuses on the identification of the thought processes, mood and cognitive distortions that increase the vulnerability of the gambler. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy approaches frequently utilize techniques that build skills geared toward relapse prevention and assertiveness.

Poker Pineapple

Pineapple Poker

Pineapple is played with a standard 52-card deck. All players receive three cards dealt face down (hole cards) as their personal hand and then must immediately discard one of the three cards. The first round of betting occurs. Three cards are turned face up in the middle of the board simultaneously (flop). The second round of betting occurs. At this time players must discard one of their hole cards. One more card is dealt face up on the board (turn). A third round of betting occurs. The last card is dealt face up on the board (river card). The fourth round of betting occurs. Board cards are community cards for all players to use. A player may use any combination of five cards among the board cards and hole cards to form a poker hand. A player may choose to use all the board cards (playing the board) and no hole cards to form a poker hand. The highest five card poker hand wins the pot. In the event of a tie, the pot is split equally among the tied winning hands.

California Card Rooms

State law requires that every owner, lessee or employee of a gambling establishment obtain and, thereafter, maintain a valid state gambling license. The Bureau of Gambling Control Bureau investigates the qualifications of individuals who apply for state gambling licenses to determine whether they are suitable and to ensure that gambling is conducted honestly, competitively and free from criminal and corruptive elements.
Gambling License

An owner of a gambling establishment must apply for and obtain a valid state gambling license from the Bureau and the California Gambling Control Commission. The Bureau's Licensing staff will conduct in-depth background investigations on applicants to determine whether they are suitable to hold a state gambling license. Suitability is determined by a number of factors including but not limited to the applicant's honesty, integrity, general character, reputation, habits, and financial and criminal history.
Additional Tables

The owner of a state-licensed gambling establishment who wishes to operate additional tables on a temporary or permanent basis must submit a request to operate additional tables to the Commission. The number of tables requested cannot exceed the total number of tables authorized under local and state law for the gambling establishment.
Game/Gaming Activity Approval

All controlled games pai-gow, poker, etc. and gaming activities jackpots, bonuses, tournaments, etc. must be approved by the Bureau and must comply with local gaming ordinances prior to their play at a licensed gambling establishment within California.