Gambling is a form of wagering something of value (usually money) on an event that has some degree of chance and the potential to win a prize. There are many different forms of gambling, including sports events, cards, dice, slots, video games, lottery tickets, bingo, and horse racing. Gambling is a recreational activity and is subject to state and federal laws. Gambling problems can have serious consequences, affecting a person’s relationships, work, and health. Pathological gambling is a treatable condition, but treatment methods have varying degrees of effectiveness. Different approaches are based on various assumptions about the etiology of pathological gambling and have therefore produced contrasting results.
People who have a problem with gambling are called compulsive gamblers. They gamble despite negative consequences to themselves and others. In addition to causing financial loss, they may experience other problems, such as mood swings and feelings of anxiety or guilt. They may lie to family members or therapists about their gambling behavior, and they often attempt to hide their gambling from others. They may even commit illegal acts, such as forgery or theft to finance their gambling. They also may jeopardize their job or educational opportunities to continue gambling.
Pathological gambling can be difficult to diagnose and treat. It typically develops in adolescence or young adulthood and reaches crisis proportions several years later. The condition affects more men than women, and the majority of those who have a gambling disorder report problem behaviors with strategic or face-to-face forms of gambling, such as poker or blackjack. It is less common for people to have a gambling disorder in nonstrategic or socially interactive forms of gambling, such as slot machines or bingo.
A major obstacle to the development of effective treatment programs is the lack of consensus about the underlying etiology of pathological gambling. Different theoretical frameworks, such as recreational interest, diminished mathematical skills, poor judgment, cognitive distortions, and mental illness, have been advanced to explain the occurrence of gambling problems. However, these explanations have had only limited empirical support.
Some researchers believe that there are biological factors that underlie the development of gambling problems. They suggest that some individuals have a genetic predisposition for thrill-seeking behaviors and an inability to control impulses or weigh risk. They also suggest that a gambling addiction can be exacerbated by certain environmental factors, such as stress, poverty, and the presence of family members with a gambling problem.
There are a variety of treatments for gambling disorders, including support groups, physical activity, and medications. It is important to get help as soon as possible, because the longer it goes on, the harder it will be to break the habit. People with a gambling problem should avoid using credit cards, set money and time limits for themselves, and stop chasing their losses (trying to win back the money they have lost). Family therapy and marriage counseling can be useful in addressing problems that arise as a result of a gambling disorder.