Gambling is an activity in which people risk something valuable (money or possessions) on an event whose outcome is determined at least in part by chance. The purpose is to win, and there are a number of different forms of gambling: games of skill such as card games or dice games; betting on events such as football matches or horse races; buying lottery or scratch cards; speculating on business, insurance or stock markets. People can also gamble online.
Despite the popularity of gambling, there are some risks associated with it. Compulsive gambling can affect health, relationships and work or study performance; cause debt or homelessness; and even lead to suicide. It can be difficult to overcome, and it is important to seek help. The risk of developing a gambling problem increases with age and is more common in men than women. People can also be affected by family members or friends who have a problem, or by being exposed to others’ gambling.
While some people may be addicted to gambling, most people who play games of chance do so for fun and not as a means of winning money. Research has shown that some people are more prone to gambling problems than others, and it is therefore important to identify those at risk. The main symptoms of gambling problems include difficulty controlling spending and frequent lapses of self-control; difficulties in thinking clearly, concentrating and making decisions; and impulsive behaviour. In addition, a person who develops a gambling disorder may experience anxiety and depression, which can be further exacerbated by the urge to gamble.
People who have a gambling problem often struggle to recognise their issues and seek help. However, there are a number of treatment options available, including self-help groups such as Gamblers Anonymous and therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy is particularly useful for those with a gambling disorder, and can help to reduce the desire to gamble by challenging negative beliefs and thoughts about gambling. It can also teach new skills, and help a person to manage triggers and cravings.
There is no single treatment for a gambling disorder, but a combination of strategies can be effective. These can include talking to a trusted friend or family member, seeking support from a professional therapist, or attending a self-help group for families such as Gam-Anon. Physical activity can also be helpful, and some studies have shown that it can decrease the urge to gamble.
Although many people believe that pathological gambling is similar to addiction to alcohol, there is no clear evidence for this. This is partly because research scientists, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians tend to frame questions about gambling from different paradigms or world views, depending on their disciplinary training and special interest. These perspectives can distort the way in which gambling is understood and perceived, for example by suggesting that it is caused by recreational interests, diminished mathematical skills, poor judgment, cognitive distortions or mental illness.
