Psychiatrist Says Gambling Addiction is Among the Most Challenging

In light of last week’s attack at a popular Manila casino, experts have attempted to better explain the consequences of a gambling addition.

Jessie Carlos Javier, a 42-year old Filipino and father of three, is accused of setting casino tables ablaze at Resorts World in Manila, killing 36 people.  Police have confirmed Javier was a deeply indebted casino gambler.

Randy Dellosa, a psychiatrist, says: “Gambling addiction is very common, although we tend to consider it as a hidden addiction, just because most people don’t actually seek help for it. It’s one of the more challenging addictions, because, unlike drugs or alcohol, the effect of which is quite obvious and dramatic, with gambling, addicts just disappear and stay in casinos.”

To spot a gambling addict, Dellosa cited three criteria:

First is the obsession that one’s life completely revolves around gambling.

Second, the uncontrollable desire to gamble, and

Third, the worsening cascading situation as losses continue to pile up.

“Addicts are all the same, whether they are into substance addiction or process addiction. It will cause consequences on the life of the individual and the people around them, so it is equally dangerous.”

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com