"I AM A COMPULSIVE GAMBLER"
by Nolan Dalla
Note: This column was originally published in Card Player magazine in 1998. It is reprinted here in response to an important issue brought up by MJS handicapper Nick Douglas in his daily report just a few days ago. Although geared primarily towards poker players, many of the same principles apply to sports gamblers, as well:
"I'm a compulsive gambler." At least, that's the opinion of the folks at Gamblers Anonymous. The good news is, I should be thankful to be diagnosed after all these years living with my "illness." Gee, I never even knew I had this sickness. The bad news is, the American Psychiatric Association categorizes me as having a mental disorder. Presumably, I'm now linked with the crazies -- and I'm not alone. In fact, I'll bet that 90 percent of you out there reading this column are about to find yourselves burdened with the same albatross. Oops, there I go -- gambling again. I just can't control myself.
Compulsive gambling brings unsavory images to mind. "We" are linked to social delinquency. "We" are morally and ethically objectionable. You've seen the image -- "we" sell our cars, our furniture, even our blood to gamble. Two pints of blood for a parlay on the Packers and the OVER.
Indeed, there seems to be precious little sympathy reserved for compulsive gamblers. It's been estimated that among adult gamblers, about 5 percent have a gambling problem (a recent study conducted by Harvard Medical School estimated that the number of true "compulsives" was actually about 1 percent). Far greater percentages of adults have drug or alcohol problems, eating-related disorders, and other psychological problems. Even if 5 percent of all gamblers have a problem, that still means that 95 percent of all gamblers do so responsibly. Show me a bar, restaurant, or shopping mall that can make that claim of the constituency using its products. You can't.
In response to the dangers posed by excessive gambling, an organization was founded in Los Angeles in 1957. Gamblers Anonymous (GA) was formed as a means for people with gambling-related problems to help themselves. GA's methodology was patterned after the approach used successfully by Alcoholics Anonymous. Its cardinal routine is a 12-step program that is designed to support those who believe that gambling adversely affects their lives. Identifying the compulsive gambler is the first step. The second step is to assist the gambler in maintaining abstinence. In the last 40 years, GA has helped thousands of people around the world, and has even saved many lives. My comments that follow are not intended to malign the fine work of that organization.
However, it appears that GA may be undermining its own good intentions. Look at the way the organization introduces itself to the public in its literature. GA's most persuasive manifesto is a brief test that is (presumably) designed to identify "compulsive gamblers." The 20-question test is baffling in its composition, and by consequence -- utterly worthless in its application. That's right, BAFFLING and USELESS. One day while doing research, I came across the list of questions, so I decided to take the test. What I learned was quite disturbing -- not so much for what I learned about myself, but for how misleading these results might be in misrepresenting those who take calculated risks as a matter of routine in their daily lives.
If published nationwide, the results of this test would be staggering. I predict that if this test were administered on a large scale -- millions of "normal" people would fail the test, including many people whom you wouldn't normally think of as having gambling problems. The test suggests that if you answer "yes" to several of the questions, you might be a compulsive gambler. Brace yourselves for what I am about to say next. Almost without exception, every serious poker player will fail this test. And, we're not alone. Most serious horse racing handicappers will fail this test. Most people who wager on sporting events will fail this test. Many professional golfers will fail this test. Many people who work on Wall Street will fail this test. Many entrepreneurs, and particularly those who are driven to succeed in their own businesses, will fail this test. If you think I'm exaggerating, take GA's test for yourself. My comments will follow each question, with my response:
1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling? Many poker players with steady jobs take time off from work occasionally to attend tournaments and play poker. Once a year, many players take a week or so off to attend the World Series of Poker. Thousands more take three-day weekends to go to Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Missing a work or school day to gamble hardly seems to be a cause for alarm. But according to the test, this puts you on the fast track to becoming a compulsive gambler. My answer: YES
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
Many players I've met revealed times in their personal lives when they experienced conflict with their spouses or other family members. It's a challenge to explain to those outside of poker both the pleasure and potential profitability of the activity. In my own life, I always have communicated openly with my wife about my gambling endeavors. Accordingly, there was a period of adjustment in our lives before we reached a happy medium. Now years later, one interesting caveat has been that gambling has actually made our home life HAPPIER -- with additional income, the opportunity to travel to new places, and meeting many new friends. My answer: YES
3. Does gambling affect your reputation?
I certainly hope so! I'm proud of the skills that I have worked so hard to attain. In fact, I am more proud of the knowledge I have attained ON MY OWN in the gambling world than earning my college degree. I'm proud to be affiliated with the poker industry. I am proud of my record in sports betting. I relish the idea of being thought of as a professional gambler -- something very few people can do successfully because of the many obstacles and the disinformation campaign waged in mainstream society against gambling. I certainly hope that my reputation has been affected by gambling. My answer: YES
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
Absolutely! Who hasn't? Since losing streaks are an inevitable part of poker and all gambling activities -- provided we gamble for any period of time -- feelings of remorse are natural. We all make mistakes and feel remorse afterward. Then, we try to learn from these mistakes and move on. Being remorseful actually shows signs of maturity and responsibility. If a gambler doesn't feel remorse at some point, make sure that he has a pulse. Players who feel no remorse whatsoever should send up a red flag. This question is just plain idiotic. My answer: YES
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
Every single professional poker player will answer "yes" to this question -- every single one of them. That fact alone demonstrates the folly of this question. My answer: YES
6. Does gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
This question seems rather vague. I never have felt a loss of ambition due to gambling. However, after playing a marathon poker session or staying up all night to handicap games, I may have lost some mental and physical efficiency, at least temporarily. So, how do I answer? And, what does this question have to do with compulsive gambling? My answer: YES (with reservations).
7. After losing, did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
I don't think this is an issue with serious gamblers. Most don't have a temptation to return to the table after a disastrous session. However, many players do experience a "tilt" factor -- which is the general feeling that losses must be recouped immediately, resulting in more hands being played (and even greater losses). Again, we have an ambiguous question that is difficult to answer. My answer: NO (with reservations).
8. After a win, did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
Absolutely! For example, I experienced a phenomenal run of good fortune at a recent poker tournament and won a high percentage of single-table satellites. The next morning, I didn't walk, I ran to the satellite area to sign up for the first table. Place yourself in a similar scenario: You make $2,000 in a $20-$40 game. You return the next day and see the same lineup again. Are you eager to play again? Sure, you are. Once again, close to 100 percent of the poker population will answer "yes" to this question. My answer: YES
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
I suppose the key word here is "often." If you lose often and are habitually broke, then there is a problem. Have I ever gambled until I was broke? Yes. I've been doing this 20 years and there were certainly a few times when I had no money at the end of the day. Nevertheless, that doesn't constitute being constantly broke. My answer: NO
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
Have I ever borrowed money to gamble with before? Yes, I have -- and so have many top professional players. Three-time world champion Johnny Moss once walked into a bank and asked for a $10,000 loan. Was it a pattern for Moss? No. Is it a pattern for me? No. The key word here is "ever," which is extremely disingenuous to most serious gamblers. There's a big difference between borrowing money when you are occasionally short of cash and being a constant fixture on the rail trying to squeeze out a loan from your colleagues. But this question makes absolutely no distinction whatsoever. My answer: YES
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
Have I "ever" done such a thing? Yes, I have. During the 1984 NFL season, I had to sell some personal items to pay off a gambling debt to a bookmaker. Oddly enough, if instead I had stiffed my bookmaker and refused to pay, I could answer "No" to this question and therefore would get a HIGHER score on the test! My humble learning experience and honesty places me in the same pool with someone who pawns his wedding ring and cashes his children's college savings to gamble. So much for my responsible behavior and being a man of my word. My answer: YES
12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
Here we have yet another ludicrous question. A bona fide poker player must save money to build a bankroll for the explicit purpose of playing poker. A poker bankroll never is to be used for "normal" expenses. Sports bettors and horse players practice similar money management strategies. Yet, because a gambler exercises sound money management principles, he or she is labeled as "compulsive." Let me get this straight: Someone who blows a $30,000 gambling bankroll on a new car is "normal," while a player who shows discipline by saving money to play higher is abnormal for sticking with his goal? Whoever made up this quiz obviously knows nothing about gambling or the principles of investing. My answer: YES
13. Did gambling make you care less of the welfare of your family?
I cannot say that I have ever "cared less" for my family. Most poker players will agree that family should be everyone's top priority. My answer: NO
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
Sure. This has happened dozens of times. You know the scenario: You enter a cardroom and plan on playing a few hours. You find yourself in a great game and overstay your visit because you are having a very profitable night. Again, we have a question that will hit close to 100 percent of the poker-playing population. My answer: YES
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
I suppose that my answer to this question, too, is "yes." Although it's uncommon, I've found myself absorbed in personal thoughts and have taken a seat in the sportsbook, placed a wager, and watched a game for a few hours to escape from daily worries. I have sat down at a blackjack table to "relax." Again, the question asks "ever," which paints a very distorted picture. My answer: YES
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing an illegal act to finance gambling?
I suppose that a small number of gamblers get their money through illegal means. But most gamblers I've met are hardworking people with regular jobs. Most would never consider an illegal act -- for any reason whatsoever, let alone gambling. My answer: NO
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
This is an extremely ambiguous and annoying question. Who hasn't had difficulty sleeping at one time or another? Anyone out there? Who is to say that gambling has anything to do with sleeping disorders? Sure, I've laid awake at night contemplating how to play A-Q offsuit in the later stages of a no-limit hold'em tournament. I've spend the last minutes of the day bouncing between a doze and trying to figure out if the Lakers can cover 7 points in Seattle. Does that qualify? Does that make me compulsive? My answer: YES
18. Do arguments, disappointments, or frustration create within you an urge to gamble?
This is yet another extremely open-ended question that reveals nothing meaningful. I have no idea how to answer this one. My answer: REFUSED
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
Hello? Why does Las Vegas attract 35 million visitors every year? This is yet another question to which probably 100 percent of the poker population will answer in the affirmative. When we are happy or have been blessed with good fortune, we often are at our physical and mental best. This is often the best state to be in when playing poker. This is the best time to gamble. Strangely enough -- this test penalizes gambling BOTH when you are "disappointed or frustrated" (see question 18) as well as celebrating "good fortune." What emotional state are we supposed to be in when we gamble? My answer: YES
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction as a result of your gambling?
This is the only valid question on the entire test -- other than Question 16. If someone -- anyone -- has considered suicide or some other means of harm to themselves or others because of gambling, answering yes to this question alone qualifies as needing treatment. In my opinion, you could answer "yes" to 19 of the 20 other questions -- and if you say "no" to this one, that is not as alarming as answering "no" to 19 questions and "yes" to only this one. My answer: NO
Now, score your results. How many questions did you answer "yes" to? I answered YES to 12 questions. According to GA, if you answered yes to more than seven questions, you have a problem. "Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions," says GA. What a utterly useless questionnaire.
This implication leads to another far more disturbing revelation. Now, I'm classified as a "victim." According to the American Psychiatric Association, I'm no longer responsible for my own actions. My behavior is caused by a chemical imbalance or a psychiatric disorder. Never mind that nothing has EVER been found in any medical study to substantiate the claim that gambling addiction is an altered state of brain chemistry. The popular trend to classify ourselves as "victims" continues. If I lose all of my money gambling, I'm not responsible because I have an illness. If I spend too much money on clothes, I'm a compulsive shopper. If I drive drunk and kill a carload of passengers, it's not my fault -- I have a compulsive drinking disorder. It's not my fault. I AM THE VICTIM. POOR ME. Jump on the merry-go-round, there are plenty of seats.
Victimization means the charlatans profit. The medical establishment makes money because a whole queue of quacks gets reimbursed by health coverage for listening to bad-beat gambling stories. Imagine being paid $250 an hour to listen to how the Saints fumble in the fourth quarter cost some poor sap his marriage. The "victims" profit because they're absolved from taking personal responsibility for their actions. It wasn't their fault they lost money. The casino lured them to gamble. And, of course, as is always the case in the United States of Litigation -- the lawyers always win.
Lawsuits have started already. Dozens of frivolous lawsuits have been filed by people who call themselves "compulsive gamblers" who claim that they couldn't control themselves and were taken advantage of by casinos. A few years ago, the former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles sued an Atlantic City casino for plowing him with free drinks and extending a generous line of credit at the gaming tables. Last year, a sore loser in Louisiana sued several casinos for extending complimentaries. He lost his business at the craps tables. Most recently, the announcer at the Meadowlands racetrack sued his employer for "failing to accommodate his disability (gambling addiction)." He suffered a relapse and thinks it's the racetrack's fault. It's the same wacko mentality that blames tobacco companies for smoking-related deaths and gun manufacturers for violent crime. The country has turned into a madhouse run by fast-talking lawyers and lazy litigants trying to turn a fast buck by manipulating the system and skewing the truth.
I suppose that what is most annoying is the silent presumption that gambling is an infirmity, and that a non-gambling life is preferable to a life with risks. GA's test implies that gamblers are unhappier and less well-adjusted than nongamblers. Yet, every study that I have seen suggests that the opposite is true.
It may be a common ambition to want to live in "Pleasantville." You know the scenario, where everything is perfect -- white picket fences, families with 2.2 kids, a station wagon in the driveway, and a dog and a cat. But some people want more out of life. We thrive on challenges. We want to test our physical and mental dexterity. If that desire makes me a "compulsive gambler," I'm proud to be one. I know one thing for sure -- I've got plenty of good company.