All Behavioral Gambling Models That Exist – Which One Is Yours?

By: Olena

Posted: September 19, 2020

Updated: September 19, 2020

There are six types of gambling personality according to psychologists
Robert L. Custer provided an in-depth description of them. Which one fits you?

Do you want to know which type of gambling behavior is yours? Are you a well-organized professional or a social casino games player? To learn answers to these questions, check all gambling models that exist and decide which one fits your personality and behavior the most. You have probably read about major types of gamblers you can meet in a casino. Although this classification is true, a significant part of it is humorous and non-related to psychology. Do you want to know what real professionals think about gamblers’ behavior? If yes, check the list of 6 gambling models that exist. Six types of gambling were first introduced by Robert L. Custer. He was an American psychiatrist, one of the pioneers in studying gambling addicts. He classified major models of gambling behavior into the following types:

Professional gambling
Casual Social gambling
Serious Social gambling
Antisocial gambling
Relief and Escape gambling
Compulsive gambling

Do you want to know more about your type? Together with online casinos in the US, we have described each of them in detail. Let's check all gambling behavior models now.

Six major gambling models that exist

To learn which type of gambling behavior is the closest to you, read the following descriptions. Surely, not all of them are positive, but it is not impossible to change the category. In particular, learning responsible gambling rules and going to a psychologist can help to enjoy playing casino games without negative consequences. However, let’s get back to our 6 gambling models and see whether they are good or bad.

Professional gambler

The professional gambling type is probably the easiest to understand. Custer applies this model of gambling behavior to those who take playing casino games as a job. Whether they take courses or rely on self-education, these people are considered professionals in their field. They prefer staying cool-headed and trust statistics & gambling strategies rather than rely on intuition or emotions. In terms of betting, pros study odds and predictions carefully in order to make a win-win bet.

gambling models that exist — Which one is yours?

In other words, this category includes people who gamble and bet on a high level. Poker fans from tournaments like WSOP, professional blackjack players, and experts from online gambling sites in the US belong here. Even if they are upset about the loss, they use it as motivation to improve skills and reach new heights.

Casual Social gambler

One of the most optimistic gambling models that exist is casual social gambling. It fits casino visitors who play games from time to time and don’t take them seriously. In general, casual social gamblers consider it just like any other form of entertainment. They don’t get upset in case of losing, but also manage their finances carefully. According to Custer, these people have plenty of other hobbies that don’t allow them to focus only on gambling. This behavioral model is one of the best for non-professionals.

Serious Social gambler

Unlike casual social gamblers, the serious social type included people who consider casinos as the only or main form of entertainment. They visit land-based or online casinos quite often, especially when they are stressed. In general, such a model of gambling personality is not great, not terrible. If you think you belong to it, try to find more interests and hobbies. We know that playing slots at Slotland is very exciting but take it a bit easier.

Relief and Escape

One of the gambling models that exist is called Relief and Escape. It fits people who play casino games and/or bet in order to escape reality. Usually, people of this category are unsatisfied with their life and work, feel lonely or misunderstood. Gambling helps them to escape to a better world where they can get lost at least for some time. Another reason to gamble for people of the Relief and Escape behavioral model is boredom. Like serious social gamblers, they don’t have other interests or find them less entertaining. Depression can also be a reason to belong to this group.

Antisocial gambler

Antisocial gamblers are people who are into illegal forms of gambling. They can show in many ways, including using illegal betting & casino sites, cheating, bad behavior, or even aggressiveness. Following Custer’s definition, gamblers with the antisocial model of personality don’t know or don’t want to coexist with others peacefully as they aim to win at any cost. They are also often unconfident and lack gambling knowledge, which makes them cheat and bluff. To exit this category, going to a psychologist is recommended. Also, learning responsible gambling rules may help to avoid bad behavior in land-based and online casinos.

Compulsive gambler

Compulsive gamblers are people who see playing casino games as the main priority. Roughly speaking, it is the sense of their life. People who belong to this category are usually unsatisfied with other aspects of their life and gambling is the only thing that makes sense. Usually, they spend lots of money on casino games or betting and don’t see limits. They argue with friends and family because of it. Finally, they take every loss or victory too emotionally and can easily get upset if they lose the game. Once you know all the gambling models that exist, you can see which one fits you. If you or your friends/family members belong to the first three categories, let them enjoy it. However, seeing oneself in the final three descriptions is a warning sign one has to pay attention to.