Progression of gambling phases
Robert Custer, a leader in gambling psychology, has identified three phases to the progression of gambling:
- Early Stage Dependence (Winning Phase)
In this stage, the financial rewards or the internal escape received as a result of gambling behaviour provide sufficient motivation for the behaviour to continue - Middle Stage (Losing Phase)
Losses begin to stack up, gamblers start “chasing” their losses, which cause the gambling behaviour to become more out of control. - Late Stage (Desperation Phase)
In this final stage, the gambler becomes overwhelmed. There are extreme emotional, financial and family/relationship problems. Criminal behaviour may occur, with possible legal consequences.