New Problem Gambling Treatment Uses Mathematics

Treatment for problematic gambling habits range from self exclusion programs to supports groups and therapy, but a new approach challenges such traditional methods. Researchers at the Gambling Treatment Clinic in Sydney University claim that they have managed to treat problem gambling by using mathematics, employing what is known professionally as Cognitive Deconstructional Therapy.

Gambling Mathematics

The program was developed by Dr. Fadi Anjoul from the university's School of Psychology, and it is said to have reduced patient's gambling habits by 80 to 90 percent. Throughout the treatment patients are taught about the mathematics of probability and randomness using tools such as marbles and dice to demonstrate the odds of winning and losing.

According to Dr. Anjoul, all of the patients that the clinic treated had misconceptions about how gambling machines worked, thereby challenging their randomness. These misconceptions led patients to place many wagers on the machine believing that when a certain percentage of wagers is hit, they will regain the lost cash. This process takes out any thrill of the actual game, turning the experience into a journey to recoup the lost money.

Bet Like Bono

News of the fresh mathematical problem gambling treatment come in time for the publication of a new profile on popular band U2 by UK music magazine Mojo. A writer for the magazine joined the band's members as they visited a casino in Monte Carlo, where he learned of the gambling approach practiced by frontman Bono.

A fan of blackjack and roulette, Bono limits his bankroll to $125 at a time. Always a philanthropist, Bono offers to fund his mates' gambling bankrolls if they stick to his limit. Minus the friend-funding, Bono's healthy gambling approach is a good way to enjoy gambling without getting in trouble or having to be taught mathematics all over again.