Gambling is a recreational activity where you risk something of value in an attempt to earn money or other prizes. It is often associated with a lack of control and can be a destructive behaviour. In addition to the financial costs, gambling can lead to other harms such as health, relationship, and work-related issues. It can also have a negative impact on society by diverting resources from other businesses. In this article, we look at what gambling is, how it works, the risks, and the harms associated with it.
Gambling involves predicting an outcome based on chance, such as a football match or a scratchcard. You make a selection, matched to ‘odds’ set by betting companies, which determine how much you could win if you win. These odds are not always straightforward and can be misleading. The chances of winning are based on a combination of chance and skill, but you can’t be sure what will happen.
Despite this, people continue to gamble in order to try and win money. This is because they are seeking a sense of thrill and reward. This is why gambling is so addictive. It is also a form of escapism, which gives people a temporary relief from the stresses and strains of daily life. Sadly, this relief is often short lived. The reality is that when the damage outweighs the entertainment value, it’s time to quit.
It is estimated that there are more than a million problem gamblers in Australia alone. This makes it one of the most significant public health problems in our country, and has a direct impact on the wider community. The cost of this problem is huge. The societal costs include loss of productivity, social distancing, and a lack of self-esteem. In addition, many gambling addictions are linked to depression and suicidal thoughts. In fact, a high percentage of suicides are gambling-related.
There are a number of ways to reduce the likelihood of becoming a problem gambler. One of the most effective is to stay connected with family and friends. This can help to avoid feelings of isolation, which can trigger cravings for gambling. Another strategy is to practice urge postponement techniques – when the urge arises, focus on something else for 15 or 30 minutes and this can decrease the intensity of the impulse. Finally, it’s important to avoid high-risk situations – for example, by not using credit cards, carrying large amounts of cash or avoiding gaming venues.
It is also recommended to seek professional help if you are concerned about your or a loved one’s gambling. Support services can provide practical tools to help you manage gambling-related urges and develop more healthy coping strategies. They can also provide support for those who have already developed a gambling problem, and prevent relapse and further harm. Universal pre-commitment and self-exclusion systems are particularly effective at minimizing gambling-related harm. However, these strategies are not foolproof and need to be combined with other interventions to minimize gambling-related harms.
