Gambling as an Addictive Behaviour

Presenting the latest conclusions about the psychological processes leading to impaired self-control, this book challenges the current harm-prevention policy of "responsible gambling." The authors present the most recent and evolving research into gambling, demonstrating the psychological variables that govern the erosion or maintenance of self-control over gambling behavior. These studies provide an empirical basis for a model of impaired control of gambling. Impaired control, in its broadest sense, is considered to be the defining psychological construct of all the addictive behaviors and occupies a central position in conceptualizing the addictive aspects of gambling.

'If thinking about addiction is going to change, the study of excessive gambling is likely to be one of the richest sources of new ideas.' (Jim Orford) This book presents the most recent research into gambling, showing the psychological variables that govern erosion or maintenance of self-control. These studies provide an empirical basis for a model of impaired control. Impaired control, in its broadest sense, is considered to be the defining psychological construct of all the addictive behaviours and occupies a central position in conceptualising the addictive aspects of gambling.