The total volume of gambling and the prevalence of gambling problems
The total consumption model (TCM) implies that only a small fraction of gamblers account for a very large fraction of all gambling activities and of all gambling expenditures. This does not necessarily mean that every gambler with high gambling expenses has problems, but the probability increases with increasing intensity. Ironically, heavy gamblers are influenced by the activities of those who participate only moderately: the more people take up gambling, the more likely vulnerable individuals will be recruited as well. The importance of total volume of gambling in society is reinforced by the fact that the accumulated harm caused by low-risk gamblers in fact exceeds the harm caused by excessive gambling. Although adaptation theory suggests that harmful consequences recede once the novelty of innovation subsides, every increase in consumption increases the risk of harm.