Using General Strain Theory to Explore Gambling-Motivated Crime
Over 50% of those seeking help for gambling admit to committing at least one crime to chase losses and/or pay debts related to their gambling.
Gambler’s Fallacy
Problems caused by gambling can only be fixed by gambling & winning
Individual measures at moderate to severe Gambling Disorder
$ lost & continued gambling leads to increased social & financial consequences (gambler’s fallacy – uses gambling to try to “fix” these problems)
Strain, frustration, anger and similar emotions become overwhelming
Partially due to hidden addiction, individual feels shame, guilt, self-hatred, anger, fear, etc.
Lack of legal avenues to obtain money to keep gambling &/or to pay off gambling debts (have exhausted these avenues)
Commission of a gambling-motivated crime (GMC) &/or suicidal ideation/ attempt
This theory can provide insight for providing resources and programs to counter the gambler’s fallacy and help prevent GMC.