Gambling involves wagering something of value on a random event with the intent to win something else of value. It requires three elements: consideration, risk, and a prize. People gamble in a variety of settings, from the casino to family card games and horse races to betting on sporting events. The majority of gambling takes place privately between friends or within a social circle, not with strangers.
The popularity of gambling has increased over the last century in response to several social, economic and technological changes. For example, the depression of the 1930s may have contributed to the rise of gambling as a way to relieve financial problems. In addition, the rapid growth of technology during this period contributed to the proliferation of gambling activities, making it easier for people to gamble.
Research indicates that some individuals are more likely to develop gambling addictions than others. The reason behind this is unclear, but some scientists think that some individuals have an underactive brain reward system or are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviours and impulsivity. The use of drugs or alcohol also can cause an overstimulation of the brain’s reward system and can lead to an individual having difficulty weighing risks and rewards.
People often have misperceptions about the dangers of gambling and the likelihood that they will experience a problem. In particular, some people think that gambling is a low-risk entertainment choice with high rewards. In fact, gambling is a high-risk activity with lower than average rewards. In addition, some people have a false sense of control when they gamble and believe that they can control the outcome of their bets.
Many people with a gambling problem have negative consequences in their personal relationships and careers. For instance, a person who is addicted to gambling might lie to family members or therapists about the extent of his or her involvement with gambling; might jeopardize a job or school opportunity by lying to obtain money to fund a gambling habit; might borrow money from friends or relatives in order to pay off debts related to gambling; and might commit illegal acts, such as forgery or fraud, to finance their gambling activities (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
Another issue is that people who are addicted to gambling tend to experience negative effects on their mental health, including anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Gambling addiction has also been linked to substance misuse and family violence. It is important to treat gambling addiction as a disease and offer support. Framing gambling as a health matter rather than an inquiry into lifestyle can reduce resistance to treatment and help people to accept that they need assistance. It can also help to emphasize that the problem is a serious one and can be life-threatening.
