Gambling involves placing something of value (usually money) on a random event with the intent of winning something else of value. Examples of gambling are betting on horse races or sports events, buying lottery tickets, playing cards, dice, or video poker. Gambling may be legal or illegal, depending on the country and culture. It is a common activity and a major international commercial activity, with an estimated total annual economic value of about $335 billion.
It is estimated that approximately one in five people develop a problem with gambling. These individuals often become involved in problematic gambling patterns, which result in significant distress and impairment of life functioning. Problem gambling is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, as “gambling disorder.”
Research supports that a number of biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to the development of problem gambling. It is important to understand the risk factors in order to be able to recognize and respond appropriately when a person is at risk.
Many people start gambling as a way to self-soothe unpleasant feelings or unwind, but some find it difficult to stop. It is also possible to use gambling as a distraction from other problems, such as relationship difficulties, job stress, or depression. Some people even turn to gambling to numb their pain, or as an alternative to taking medication for a medical condition. It is important to learn healthier and more effective ways to relieve unpleasant emotions and boredom.
Among the most well-established psychological risk factors for developing problem gambling is sensation-seeking and novelty-seeking. Theory suggests that gambling behaviors can be driven by states of high arousal, and that the euphoria associated with the heightened prospect of winning can outweigh the likelihood of losing money. (Zuckerman, 1979; Cloninger, 1987).
Some of the most troubling symptoms associated with pathological gambling include secretiveness, lying, and recurrent financial difficulty. Individuals who engage in these types of behavior are at high risk for attempting suicide.
Despite the fact that many people who gamble do not develop a gambling disorder, it is important to monitor your spending habits and consider seeking help if you are worried about yourself or a family member. You can seek help by calling a local helpline, getting support from friends and family, or joining a peer support group like Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the model of Alcoholics Anonymous. You can also try exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, or taking up new hobbies. You may want to seek a therapist specializing in gambling addiction, or contact your insurance company to see what local referral resources are available for counseling and treatment programs. In addition, you can try reducing the amount of money you spend on gambling by setting limits and refusing to spend more than you can afford to lose. This can be done by only using money earmarked for entertainment, and not relying on credit cards or ATM machines to fund your wagers.