Gambling is a social activity in which people wager something of value on an outcome that is determined at least partially by chance. It is an extremely widespread activity that has a long history and has been associated with a wide range of positive and negative economic, social, and family impacts. People who gamble do so for a variety of reasons, including as a form of entertainment, to make money, or to socialize with friends. While most people who gamble do so responsibly, a small percentage of individuals become too heavily involved in gambling and develop problems that have significant personal, family, and social consequences. These individuals may also experience symptoms of gambling disorder, which is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
Although many people believe that a person’s chances of winning are entirely random, it has been proven that skill can influence outcomes. For example, knowledge of playing strategies can improve a player’s chances in some card games; and the ability to read horses and jockeys can help predict the probability of winning a horse race. In addition, a person’s emotional state and the amount of money available at any given time influence his or her decision to bet.
Despite the numerous risks, gambling remains a popular pastime for most people. In the United States, more than half of all adults and teens have placed a bet of some kind. Those with gambling disorders, however, have significant trouble stopping this behavior. Their actions can negatively impact their physical health, family relationships, work or school performance, and cause serious debt and homelessness. In some cases, gambling can even lead to suicide.
While a person can be convicted of misdemeanor gambling charges, those with felony convictions typically face a year or more in prison and/or large fines. Additionally, they may be required to attend an inpatient or residential treatment program for gambling addiction.
It is important to understand the causes of gambling disorders in order to provide effective prevention and treatment services. Although researchers, psychiatrists, and other treatment care clinicians tend to frame the issues surrounding gambling differently based on their discipline and area of expertise, most agree that people can be more vulnerable to developing problems if they begin gambling at an early age and if they start with little or no financial or family resources. These factors can contribute to poor judgment, a heightened risk of losing money, and the belief that gambling is a fun and exciting activity. Moreover, it is widely recognized that the brain does not fully mature until the age of 25. Therefore, younger people are more likely to develop bad gambling habits and be prone to making reckless decisions. This is especially true when they are involved in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment such as a casino.