Gambling is an activity whereby a person stakes something of value (including money) on the outcome of a game of chance or skill. It can be done in casinos, racetracks, online and at many other places. People gamble for a variety of reasons including excitement, escaping boredom or stress, and the dream of winning a big jackpot.
However, if gambling becomes problematic it can lead to significant financial loss and harm to the person’s family, friends and job. People who have trouble controlling their gambling often lie about how much they spend or hide evidence of their problem. They might even start spending money they don’t have or borrowing to gamble.
The way we think about gambling has changed over time. In the past, we thought of people who gambled as having mental health problems, but now we understand that they have a different kind of problem: they have an addiction to gambling. We see the same patterns as we do for drug addicts, with escapism, thrill seeking and the inability to control their actions and urges.
In the last few years, there has been an increase in the evaluation of gambling behaviors within primary care settings. This is partly due to the recognition that a number of conditions and circumstances could make people susceptible to harmful gambling. These include mood disorders, a poor understanding of probability (including the Gambler’s Fallacy), use of escape coping and stressful life events.
Despite the fact that gambling does not involve ingesting any chemical substances, it produces the same dopamine response as drugs do. As a result, it can be difficult for someone to stop gambling when they feel this rewarding sensation, especially when they win. The good news is that, with the help of a professional, it is possible to overcome this addictive behaviour.
It is also important to realise that gambling does not have to be a big money gamble, but can involve any type of wager, from scratchcards to fruit machines to betting with friends. It can also happen in less obvious ways, such as taking free cocktails at a casino, or being tempted to buy a ticket for the next lottery draw. The main thing is to recognise when it is getting out of hand and take action to change the pattern of behavior. This may be by talking to a family member, friend or colleague, making a plan and getting professional help. You can find more information and advice about gambling here.