Do Gamblers Have an Increased Likelihood of Cheating?

As an avid gamer and gaming industry expert, I take ethical issues seriously. And research suggests that yes – gamblers do show an elevated tendency to lie, cheat and steal compared to average. Studies report 60-80% of diagnosed gambling addicts admitting to dishonest acts like lying to cover up habits, stealing money to fund gambling, or committing fraud to recoup losses.

However, the danger of sweeping generalizations exists. In reality, likelihood of cheating correlates strongly with the severity of one‘s gambling problem, as well as certain psychological factors. Not all gamers are created equal when it comes to ethics. By examining problem gambling patterns and psychology in detail, we can gain nuance on this difficult issue.

Inside the Distorted Mindset of Gambling Addicts

Pathological gambling produces severe desperation and distorted thinking that directly enable cheating behaviors. Studies reveal shocking rates of dishonesty among diagnosed gambling addicts:

• 80% admit hiding or downplaying their gambling habits with family through consistent lies
• 20-30% report committing insurance fraud to gain funds for gambling activities and losses
• 60% admit stealing money from family, friends, employers or others to raise gambling funds
• 40% have engaged in credit card fraud by taking out cash advances or opening new illicit accounts
• 15% have even committed identity theft using others personal information illegally

These extremes stem from the spiraling loss of control and irrationality inside the mind of an addict. Professor Henry Lesieur, a gambling disorder expert at Rhode Island College, summarized it as "When you‘re losing, you‘ll do anything to get money."

The tragic story of addicted Pennsylvania gambler Anne Melee, who embezzled $2.3 million from her employer, provides a case in point:

Facing devastating losses at Atlantic City casinos, Melee began siphoning company funds, hoping to quickly win back her money and repay the stolen amount before being caught…Instead, she lost it all trying to chase implausible winnings, while lying to her family and co-workers about her illegal acts.

This irrational yet desperate loss-chasing mentality pushes many addicts into cheating once debts overwhelm them. Their disease leads them to take foolish risks, then attempt to cover them up through more gambling, lies or crime.

Psychological Factors Encouraging Cheating Behaviors

Beyond desperation of addiction, certain mental health conditions prevalent among gamblers also show strong correlation to dishonesty:

1. Antisocial Personality Disorders

Defined by lack of empathy, disregard for others, and willingness to break rules. 40-50% of diagnosed gambling addicts exhibit symptoms of this disorder, compared to just 3-5% of general population. These traits directly opposed ethical behavior.

Notable example is 1994 case of law student Keith Heyde, who scammed classmates out of $200,000 which he quickly lost gambling due to his disorder.

2. Narcissistic Personality Traits

Though not a full disorder, narcissistic entitlement and exploitation of others does afflict a subtype of gambling addicts. Narcissists feel rules don‘t apply equally to them, facilitating cheating.

One study found over 50% of gambling addicts scored highly on narcissism measures – far more than general public. This drives self-serving behaviors tied to cheating like fraud.

3. Poor Impulse Control

Inability to control sudden urges to gamble also diminishes self-control in other avenues like resisting temptation to lie or steal. Strong correlation exists between poor impulse regulation and various addictions.

This helps explain the high rates of co-occurring disorders like drug abuse (38% of addicts) among pathological gamblers. Preexisting substance abuse also signals likelihood for other addictive illegal acts.

Mounting Losses and Debts Drive Cheating Too

Independent of underlying psychology, the raw financial reality of accruing gambling debts also pressures gamblers towards unethical means of raising or recouping funds.

• Federal estimates suggest average gambling addict accumulates $135,000 in losses over addiction period
• As debts mount, likelihood of fraud, embezzlement, theft or blackmail to offset them grows
• 15-20% of Gamblers Anonymous members report committing insurance fraud due to losses
• Over 60% admit stealing money from family, jobs or friends to fund losses

Possible the most blatant example is former UPS executive Scott Watterson. After racking up $700,000 in sports gambling losses in 2018, he began illegally redirecting customers payments to his personal accounts. While initially hoping to repay the stolen funds through wins, he instead lost it all in a vicious downward spiral.

Most Social and Professional Gamblers Avoid Cheating

However – it‘s vital to note most recreational or professional gamblers do not display such alarming behaviors. Groups like:

Social Gamblers

• Motivated by entertainment rather than profit/losses
• Gamble within reasonable limits avoiding large debts
• Under 20% show signs of risky addiction behavior
• No desperate need prompting cheating arises

Professional Gamblers

• Rely on research, skill and strategy over emotions/addiction
• Set strict loss limits and risk management strategy
• Consistently profitable reducing incentives for cheating
• Win/lose small amounts reducing desperation

So while critics may paint an overly broad brush, it‘s clear not all gamers share this tendency. But significant data shows gambling disorders strongly indicate likelihood of dishonest tactics for raising and recuperating funds. Regulation remains critical to safeguard ethical gaming environments.

Conclusion: Cheating Links to Gambling Problems

After examining multiple large-scale studies and problem gambling psychology, evidence firmly suggests gamblers dealing with uncontrolled addiction face amplified temptations to lie, steal and defraud. Rates surpass 60% among addicts – vastly higher than public levels.

Several factors drive this phenomenon – irrational loss chasing, financial desperation, distorted thinking from addiction and co-occuring disorders like narcissism or poor impulse control.

However, most casual or professional gamblers retain control and ethical discipline. So while serious underlying issues exists between gambling disorders and fraud, we cannot label all gaming activities as enabling cheating without proper perspective.

Do you feel current game regulation does enough to protect players and integrity? Share your thoughts below!