Gambling And Narcissism: Addiction Link Explained

Research indicates a significant overlap between problem gambling and narcissistic personality features. While there is no consensus about the full extent of narcissism’s role in gambling disorder, researchers have uncovered many insights in recent years.

According to a meta-analysis of 15 studies over a two-decade period, nearly half of treatment-seeking problem gamblers had at least one personality disorder.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) showed up at elevated rates. Nearly 1-in-5 compulsive gamblers met criteria for NPD – a prevalence much higher than in the general population.

A 2018 study compared adults with and without gambling disorder and found the gambling group scored significantly higher on “grandiose narcissism” measures.

Grandiose narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, entitlement, and a need for admiration. In contrast, “vulnerable narcissism” (a more insecure, sensitive subtype) was not elevated overall in the gambling group.

Some experts have proposed that narcissistic traits may define a specific subtype of addicted gambler, rather than being universal to all gamblers.

This article will dive deeper into the complex topic of gambling and narcissism.

Does Narcissism Contribute to Gambling?

Psychological research suggests that narcissism can contribute to both the development and maintenance of gambling problems. 

Many things gamblers say echo what people with NPD often say to themselves and others.

Narcissistic individuals often possess cognitive and emotional traits that make gambling especially alluring or hard to control. Let’s take a look at some examples.

Overconfidence

Narcissists typically have an unrealistic belief in their own skills and luck. In a series of studies, narcissism was linked to more frequent gambling and higher bet sizes.

The relationship between narcissism and gambling severity was partly explained by narcissists’ judgment biases – namely overconfidence in their ability to win, a greater acceptance of high risks, and a myopic focus on rewards.

In other words, narcissists may gamble more because they expect to beat the odds and are drawn to bets that promise admiration and excitement

Sense of Entitlement

People with narcissistic personality disorder often feel they deserve special treatment and success. This mentality can spill into gambling. A narcissistic gambler might view gambling as an easy way to achieve the wealth and recognition they “deserve.”

A mix of delusional thinking and cognitive biases can lead narcissists to feel entitled to hit the big score. This mindset can fuel chasing losses.

Reward-Seeking and Ego Boosts

Gambling provides immediate rewards that can feed the ego. The instant gratification of a win is highly rewarding and validates their self-image.

Narcissistic gamblers are often drawn to the appeal of winning big, since a big win fuels their desire to look successful to others and themselves.

They may boast about winnings on social media and chase ever larger jackpots. This pursuit of admiration through gambling can maintain the behavior when it becomes destructive.

Denial and Externalizing Blame

When gambling outcomes are negative, narcissistic traits can interfere with learning from losses. Narcissists have a hard time acknowledging personal failure; they may go into denial about their losses or blame others/external factors (“the casino cheated,” “bad luck due to someone’s influence”) rather than taking responsibility. This lack of accountability prevents them from recognizing the need to change and can perpetuate the vicious cycle of gambling.

Clinically, these factors mean that narcissism can act as a risk factor for developing a gambling problem. Indeed, gamblers with pronounced narcissistic traits often started gambling younger and escalated faster, according to clinical observations. 

The narcissist’s risk-taking, craving for recognition, and difficulty admitting mistakes can create a perfect storm for starting gambling and continuing despite negative consequences.

Grandiose vs. Vulnerable Narcissism Among Gamblers

Narcissism is not a single uniform trait – psychologists distinguish between grandiose narcissism (overt self-aggrandizement, arrogance, and dominance) and vulnerable narcissism (hidden insecurity and defensiveness). 

These two subtypes may relate to gambling in different ways.

In summary, while grandiose narcissism is more broadly prevalent in gambling addiction, vulnerable narcissism may be present in a subset of gamblers, potentially those seeking competitive or skill-based forms of play as a way to bolster self-esteem.

Grandiose Narcissism

Studies consistently show that it is the grandiose aspect that most strongly ties to gambling disorder.

In the 2018 study of gambling patients, having a gambling addiction was associated specifically with higher grandiose narcissism scores. 

Grandiose narcissists are confident and thrill-seeking, traits that can lead them to gamble recklessly. They often lack empathy and have an inflated optimism, which may make it easier for them to chase losses or break rules to continue gambling. 

Other research using narcissism scales (e.g., Narcissistic Personality Inventory) likewise found that higher grandiose narcissism correlates with more frequent gambling and greater harm.

Vulnerable Narcissism

The relationship between vulnerable narcissism and gambling addiction is more complex, according to another 2018 study. Broadly, vulnerable narcissism is associated with anxiety, shame, and greater sensitivity to criticism.

Those with this subtype may develop gambling problems for different reasons. However, at a group level, vulnerable narcissism does not appear as a strong predictor of gambling disorder.

In the Rogier and Velotti study, gamblers were no more likely than non-gamblers to exhibit vulnerable narcissistic traits overall. 

This might be because vulnerable narcissists tend to avoid high-risk, ego-threatening situations; losing money gambling could reinforce feelings of inadequacy.

That said, there is evidence that certain gambling subtypes might attract vulnerable narcissists. 

Rogier and Velotti noticed that among gamblers themselves, those who preferred strategic games (such as poker, sports betting, or games requiring skill and competition) scored higher on vulnerable narcissism than those who played non-strategic, luck-based games. 

Strategic gambling might appeal to vulnerable narcissists because it offers a stage to prove oneself and beat others. Yet, when they fail, they may cope by devaluing others and feeling shame for needing others’ approval – hallmark reactions of vulnerable narcissism.

A 2024 French study found evidence to suggest a “strong perception of personal skills compared to a weak perception of personal luck among problem gamblers of strategic games.”

Treatment for Gambling Addiction and Narcissism

Co-occurring narcissism and gambling addiction present unique challenges for clinicians, but recognizing this link can improve treatment outcomes. 

Co-occurring narcissism does not doom someone’s chances of recovery. 

While it can complicate treatment, clinicians report that with a tailored approach, narcissistic gamblers can and do overcome their addiction. 

Some adjustments – such as managing the person’s need for recognition in positive ways and directly targeting narcissistic thought patterns – can make standard gambling addiction treatments more effective for this population.

For example, a therapist might allow a narcissistic client to take some “credit” for therapy successes to satisfy their self-image, while still firmly addressing destructive behaviors.

In summary, integrated treatment that addresses both the gambling disorder and the narcissistic personality features yields the best outcomes.

Therapies focus on stopping the gambling harm while also improving emotional regulation, interpersonal empathy, and self-awareness. 

Experts emphasize that gambling treatment programs should be prepared to handle these personality dimensions: by doing so, they can improve retention and reduce high relapse rates for narcissistic individuals.

As the understanding of the gambling-narcissism link grows, treatment professionals continue to refine strategies to ensure that those with co-occurring narcissism receive the comprehensive care they need to break the cycle of addiction.