Gambling involves risking something of value (money, property, reputation) on an uncertain outcome based on chance or skill. It can take many forms, such as playing card games or board games with friends for a small amount of money or buying lottery tickets with coworkers. Some people do gambling professionally, using skills and strategy to consistently win money over the long term.
Problem gambling is an addiction that negatively impacts people’s health, relationships, performance at work or school, and can even lead to financial ruin and homelessness. It affects people of all ages, races, economic backgrounds, and levels of education. While it is not clear what causes gambling problems, genetics, environment, medical history and age may play a role.
There are also a number of factors that can influence someone’s risk for developing a gambling problem, including the person’s motivation to gamble, their social circumstances, and the availability of resources to prevent or treat harmful gambling behaviour. The person’s locality is another important factor, as it influences the type of gambling available in their community and how regulated that gambling is.
Some people start gambling for fun or for social connections, while others do it to make money. The types of gambling activities vary by country and region, but some examples include:
While many people can enjoy recreational gambling, there are some who experience adverse consequences that require professional help. These consequences can be psychological, physical, emotional or social and can impact family members and employers. Some of these effects can also be exacerbated by other conditions, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse.
The development of harmful gambling behaviour often begins during childhood or adolescence, but it can occur at any time. It is important to recognise and address this early on, as the earlier a person receives help for their problem gambling, the greater their chances of recovery.
It is normal to feel a sense of excitement when you win at a game of chance, but what most people don’t know is that our brains produce the same neurological response to losing as well as winning. This is why it’s so easy for some people to become addicted to gambling, as they keep trying in the hope that they will eventually break the streak of bad luck.
The first step in getting help for a gambling problem is acknowledging that you have one, which can be very difficult for some people, especially if they have lost significant amounts of money or strained or broke relationships as a result of their gambling behaviour. However, there are a range of services available that can provide support, assistance and counselling for people who have problems with gambling. If you are unsure where to start, try BetterHelp, an online therapy service that matches you with licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships and more. Take the assessment and get matched in as little as 48 hours.