On the occasion of the Football World Cup, our psychology and psychiatry doctors at Clínica Carretel in Zaragoza, Dr. Silvia Saskyn and Dr. Lola Vázquez, talk about sports betting and the increase in cases of pathological gambling during sporting events. Our doctors define pathological gambling as an addiction to gambling and betting that is summarized as an irrepressible desire to gamble despite the person being aware of the consequences. Like many other illnesses, there is no single cause, but personal, economic, social factors. …. Knowledge of pathological gambling is evolving in parallel with the burgeoning availability of gambling opportunities on the Internet. The Internet is making numerous gambling possibilities available to people all over the world 24 hours a day. It is important to point out that: the worldwide scourge of this pathology has alerted the World Health Organization itself, which has characterized pathological gambling as a “mental disease or disorder”.
Is it more likely that in events such as the World Cup there is an increase in pathological gambling?
It is said that soccer is the passion of crowds and the sport of the people. Due to aggressive advertising and the proliferation of companies that feed gambling addiction, the gambling addict population is growing, since the offer is immense. These companies take soccer and other sports as an excuse to encourage this type of behavior, especially during world events. In addition, they take advantage of the sense of belonging to a certain country, the sense of brotherhood and solidarity to promote the illusions and ideals of human beings.
Why is soccer the most betting sport?
During these events, mass phenomena are produced, collective euphoria in the face of so many difficulties. This awakens unstoppable impulses that depending on the personal history of each individual, is promoted in today’s society by large economic interests. Consumerism is today an addiction, just look at the number of Nigeria T-shirts that have been sold for this World Cup. This is a mass phenomenon and it could be said that it generates a collective psychosis, which is worrying.
What kind of treatment is required in these cases and how can a relapse be avoided?
Treatment of this pathology can be challenging, as most people may have difficulty admitting that they have a problem. For this reason, the first step is admitting that there is a problem. In addition, there are treatments to treat this condition:
- Psychotherapy: psychological treatments to reduce the urge to gamble.
- Medication: such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
- Self-help groups: where different people meet to talk about the problem. Saying it out loud always helps to realize it in a more direct way.
Even with treatment, relapse is possible, especially if the person is surrounded by people who gamble. In case the rehabilitated patient wants to return to gambling or has thoughts related to gambling, it is important to consult a psychological specialist.