Stages of Gambling
Sometimes it is helpful to look at the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that occupy people who gamble. The following chart offers a rough summary of these. While gambling comes in many forms, there are common stages of thinking, feeling and doing.
EARLY PROBLEM Stage:
| Time Period | Thoughts and Feelings |
| When not gambling [at work, play, sleep and so on; not gambling, not decided to gamble] | Gambling comes up when thinking of entertainment … "What should we do Friday night? Some anticipation of winning, but more of the social situation. |
| Preparing to go gamble [from the time the decision is made to gamble to when the gambling starts] | Like going to a movie you wanted to see for a long time or skiing after a long summer. Disappointed if interrupted and willing to adjust to life in order to get to the casino. |
| While gambling [actually gambling] | Wants to talk about wins or losses even after gambling. Disappointed at loss, overjoyed at win. Will lose only planned amount of money or will leave at planned time with any money won. |
| Right after gambling [the half hour or so after gambling] | Still remembers social and environmental aspects but wants to talk more of the gambling … either the win or the loss. Remembers the experience as desirable to repeat - similar to enjoyable time at a ballgame. If a big win, might be more attached to winning and repeating the experience. |
