Gambling is a form of risk-taking where people wager money or other things of value on an outcome that relies on chance. It can involve any event that is random, such as the roll of a dice or the spin of a wheel. People can gamble with money or objects of value, such as electronic devices and collectible cards. Skill may play a part in gambling, but it is often downplayed in favour of luck. In the past, gambling was viewed as immoral and illegal, but it has since become a major worldwide industry.
The main reasons people gamble are to make money, try to escape from reality or as a way to socialize with friends. However, gambling can be addictive and can cause problems with family life, finances and work. If you think you or someone you know is gambling excessively, it’s important to seek help. The first step is to talk about it with a friend or relative, a GP or GamCare’s confidential helpline.
Most people who gamble do so responsibly and without any problems, but a small proportion develop a gambling disorder. This is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) as a persistent and recurrent pattern of gambling that causes significant distress or impairment.
It is not known exactly what makes some people more susceptible to developing a problem with gambling, but there are several factors that appear to be linked. These include:
Biological factors, such as the function of specific brain regions that influence reward processing, control of impulses and weighing risk. Cultural influences, such as how gambling is portrayed in the media and what a community values, can also have an impact.
There is also evidence that some people are genetically predisposed to gambling because of differences in how their brains process rewards and how they regulate impulsive behaviour. Certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy and schizophrenia, can also increase a person’s vulnerability to gambling problems.
A person’s risk of gambling problems can also be affected by their age. Younger people are more likely to struggle with gambling problems, perhaps because they haven’t yet developed the ability to evaluate risks and set limits on their spending. People with depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety can be more attracted to gambling because of the emotional highs it offers.
If you have a gambling problem or think that you might, it is important to stop gambling and start thinking about other ways to spend your time and money. Try doing more activities that you enjoy, spending time with friends or family, or getting non-judgemental support from a GP or a GamCare helpline. You should also consider seeking professional help, such as family therapy or debt or credit counselling. It’s also a good idea to strengthen your support network and look into finding alternative ways to socialize, such as joining a book club or sports team, taking a class or volunteering for charity.
