Gambling is an activity in which people place a wager on the outcome of an event or game. Most adults and adolescents have gambled at some point in their lives. Although gambling is a legitimate form of entertainment and some people even win, it can also be harmful. A small subset of gamblers develop gambling disorder, a condition that causes serious distress or impairment.
Many things can cause a person to become a compulsive gambler, including genetic factors, environment and life events. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of problem gambling, which include:
Experiencing an urge to gamble, but being unable to stop or control the amount of money being spent. Experiencing significant financial losses caused by gambling. Attempting to recover losses by increasing the amount of money being wagered. Frequently lying to conceal the extent of one’s involvement in gambling. jeopardizing personal relationships, job or education opportunities because of gambling. Using credit cards to fund gambling activities. Spending time with peers who engage in gambling activities, often in secret.
A common feature of gambling addiction is a false sense of confidence and overestimation of the chance of winning. This is because the brain’s reward system becomes activated when engaging in risky behaviour, which is why people feel they are capable of winning big. In addition, psychological distortions, such as the illusion of control and irrational beliefs, can further increase a person’s vulnerability to gambling disorders.
The earliest known dice were found in the ruins of the city of Troy, although there is evidence that the practice of rolling the dice had been used in Asia as early as 1000 BC. Dice were also buried with the Pharaohs of Egypt, which shows that gambling has always been present in human culture. Today, gambling is a multi-billion dollar industry that encompasses casinos, online gaming, lottery and sports betting, with a wide range of games available to the public.
It is estimated that approximately one in three people with a gambling disorder will contemplate suicide. This figure is much higher than for any other mental health disorder and has been attributed to the increased stress associated with dealing with a gambling addiction.
People can try to cope with a loved one’s gambling addiction by setting boundaries in managing money, taking over family finances and reviewing bank and credit card statements. It is also helpful to talk about the problem with someone who won’t judge you, such as a friend or family member, or seek professional advice and support from a psychologist or gambling addiction specialist.
To prevent gambling problems, it is recommended to only ever gamble with disposable income and not money that needs to be set aside for bills or rent. It is also important to avoid triggers, such as avoiding socialising with friends at gambling venues, taking an alternative route to work if your usual one passes a casino, or changing the channel on your TV if you find yourself watching sports matches that make you want to bet. It is also worth seeking out new recreational and leisure activities to fill the void that gambling can leave in your life, such as a book club or volunteering for a community project.