The 7 Different Types Of Gamblers

Last updated on July 14th, 2024

What are the different types of gamblers?

Problem gambling, or gambling addiction, is the single most detrimental aspect of gambling. And while it is true that every type of addiction is potentially harmful and destructive, not all addictions are the same. And this also applies to gambling addiction and problem gamblers. There are different types of gamblers, which consequently means that there are different types of gambling addictions, and therefore, different types of treatments. 

In order to better understand and deal with problem gambling, we first must learn the types of gamblers and their individual situation. Each and every player has a different gambling profile that comes with its own unique set of traits and characteristics. Only by learning about each type of gambler individually, we can start the healing process and treat the problem. So, which one of the 7 types of gamblers are you? Let’s have a look.

The Professional Gambler

We will start the list of 7 types of gamblers with the players who make a living out of the art of gambling, the professional gamblers. The number of professional gamblers is the lowest when compared with other gambling types on this list. That is because being a professional gambler is a job that requires a lot of dedication and risk, something that most of us cannot even conceive of doing. 

Especially since professional gamblers go against systems and mechanics that are created to take their money, and somehow still manage to profit. Regardless of whether they are professional poker players, sports bettors, or slot masters, professional gamblers are proficient in calculating the odds in each situation and consequently make the right decision. 

In order to achieve this, professional gamblers never let their feelings get the best of them. They never let emotions such as anger, impulsivity, or stubbornness affect them, being that these can negatively affect their performance. From here, it is good to mention that most professional gamblers are not addicted to gambling. Gambling addiction can and will diminish your rational thinking and make you lose. As a result, professionals view gambling as any other regular job, and nothing more.

Traits of professional gamblers:

• Cool-headed
• Patient
• Dedicated
• Calm

The Conservative Gambler

One of the gamblers with the most self-control on this list, the conservative gamblers are all about the experience that gambling provides. These types of gamblers are not usually pursuing the adrenaline that comes from winning, nor do they are interested in the social aspect of the art of gambling. We can say that conservative gamblers are gambling-curious, being that they only want to gamble after seeing dice, slots, or poker in movies, tv, and ads.

This means that conservative gamblers are quite responsible with their finances when it comes to gambling. Most of the time, conservative gamblers have a predetermined budget and time limits which they always make sure to abide by. This results in them not being affected by the outcome. Whether they win or lose, conservative gamblers are always in control of their gambling activity. This is why the number of conservative gamblers who develop gambling addiction is so low.

Traits of conservative gamblers:

• Calm
• Mature
• Intelligent
• Economical

The Casual Social Gambler

Casual social gamblers are all about the social aspect of the gambling experience, rather than the excitement and the rewarding nature. They are very similar to social drinkers who go out to socialize, spend time with people, and relieve stress. From time to time, casual social gamblers may decide to visit a casino, but not because they are drawn to gambling and winning.

Casual gamblers only gamble when they want to relax, meet new people, spend time with friends (such as poker nights, fantasy football, etc), and overall enjoy the perks of gambling when done properly. Due to this, the number of casual social gamblers who develop gambling habits is also quite low, being that over-indulging in the art of gambling is never the primary objective.

Traits of casual social gamblers:

• Laid Back
• Outgoing
• Calm
• Reasonable

The Serious Social Gambler

Unlike casual social gamblers who use gambling as one of their many positive outlets to relieve stress and relax, serious social gamblers are quite the opposite. This is because serious social gamblers don’t have other outlets to cope with except gambling. Needless to say, having gambling as the only “viable” outlet to de-stress and relax can be detrimental in the long run, especially given how easy it can be to develop a gambling addiction.

Having gambling as the only mean to relieve stress, relax, and cope with issues can be very tricky. The line between being a serious social gambler and a problematic gambler is very thin when you don’t have other hobbies or outlets. For this reason, many serious social gamblers, unfortunately, end up developing serious gambling addictions, which can negatively influence both their professional and personal relationships, as well as their finances and health.

Traits of serious social gamblers:

• Stubborn
• Impulsive
• Confused
• Hasty

The Relief and Escape Gambler

One of the more concerning types of gamblers, relief and escape gamblers tend to gamble as a way to cope with anxiety, depression, anger, or any other emotions that may cause them stress. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addictions usually develop when people indulge in negative behaviours such as using drugs, drinking alcohol, or gambling, in order for them to make up for certain emotional needs. And this very much applies to gambling as well.

For this reason, relief and escape gamblers don’t tend to worry about winning or the adrenaline they get from gambling. Their main concern is an escape from reality, which is why they usually gamble dispirited, or in a bad state of mind. Consequently, this can affect their judgment and decision-making skills, which can then result in losing huge sums of money in a very short time. Even worse, the subsequent loss can only amplify their stress, depression, and anxiety in the long run, causing a never-ending cycle.

Traits of relief and escape gamblers:

• Apathetic
• Depressed
• Gloomy
• Dispirited

The Compulsive Gambler

Compulsive gamblers are the players who suffer from the most severe form of gambling addiction on this list. Unfortunately, compulsive gamblers prioritize gambling over any other activity in their lives, and as such, are completely consumed by gambling. Moreover, many compulsive gamblers don’t want to admit that they have a problem, which is widely known as the first step toward battling any addiction, not just gambling.

Due to their extreme gambling habits, they are willing to risk developing serious life-affecting issues such as relationships with loved ones, their job, personal well-being, finances, etc. Compulsive gamblers are problem gamblers who are constantly on the run for adrenaline and are known for chasing wins in order to cover their losses regardless of how much they are losing. This level of addiction usually ends up in many unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut back on gambling entirely.

Compulsive gambling is the most serious form of gambling addiction, and as such, it can easily destroy the life of the gambler. This is why compulsive gamblers should never hesitate to ask for professional help and treatment, since battling compulsive gambling individually is extremely difficult. Also, they need support and understanding from their family and loved ones, especially given the detrimental nature of compulsive gambling for the person in question.

Traits of compulsive gamblers:

• Unaccountable
• Impulsive
• Addicted
• Headstrong

The Antisocial/Personality Gambler

Personality gamblers, unlike all other types of gamblers on this list, are prone to illegal gambling activities. Also known as antisocial gamblers, personality gamblers are different because their only goal is to make money regardless of the consequences or how they do it. This is why you will find antisocial gamblers use various unfair and illegal tactics to gain any sort of advantage in order to win. This may include cheating, lying, stealing, deceiving, tricking, forging, etc.

Moreover, the tactics of personality gamblers vary from simple and innocent tricks, to elaborate and complex scams. This may be anything from hiding cards in their clothing and stealing chips to conniving to fix a sporting event or a race. While gambling is actually a serious issue for personality gamblers, in many instances, there may be bigger mental health disorders behind this behaviour, and this is most evident in their need to conduct criminal activities for personal gain, hence the term antisocial. 

This is why serious antisocial, i.e. personality gamblers very often need help from mental health professionals.

Traits of antisocial/personality gamblers:

• Antisocial
• Selfish
• Greedy
• Harmful

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which type of gambler you are, gambling can be a dangerous activity that can easily consume your entire life. This is why if you believe that you, or someone you know, suffers from one of the severe forms of gambling addiction, you should immediately contact one of the many responsible gambling organizations on the internet and ask for professional help. The entire process is anonymous and free, and it will only take a fraction of your time, but save you a lifetime of trouble.

We will link several of the top responsible gambling organizations below. Good luck, and always gamble responsibly. 

• GamCare
• BeGambleAware
• Gambling Therapy
• Responsible Gambling Center
• National Council For Problem Gambling