Gambling is the wagering of something of value (such as money, property or personal items) on an event that has a degree of randomness or chance, where skill cannot improve the odds of winning. It can also refer to games of chance that require more than just the luck of the draw, such as card games or games involving the collection of game pieces (like marbles, Pogs and Magic: The Gathering).
Almost everyone gambles at some time, with the majority of people participating in legal gambling activities such as horse or greyhound racing, football accumulators and lottery bets. However, gambling can also take place in a range of other settings, such as social gatherings, online gaming and business meetings.
Many factors can influence how much someone gambles or whether they develop gambling disorder, including:
Gambling is often considered a vice and it is estimated that around half of the UK population participate in some form of gambling activity. For some people, it can be an enjoyable pastime but for others it can have serious consequences for their physical and mental health, relationships, work or study performance, finances and home life. It can lead to debt, homelessness and even suicide.
There are many ways to help reduce or stop gambling. Some examples include:
A person with gambling disorder may be able to benefit from therapy or other psychological treatment, particularly if there are underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety that are contributing to their problem. Various types of psychotherapy can be used to address a gambling disorder, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, family therapy and group therapy.
Medications are not usually prescribed to treat gambling disorders as they have not been proven to be effective and can sometimes cause harmful side effects. However, some medications may be useful in treating co-occurring conditions.
A person with a gambling disorder might seek out financial support from friends and family, or they might join a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous. They might also try to distract themselves by engaging in a different activity or postponing the urge to gamble until they feel the craving has passed or weakened. They might also consider seeking professional assistance by contacting a specialist gambling helpline or other types of support services. Alternatively, they might find other ways to relieve unpleasant emotions, such as exercise, spending time with non-gambling friends or learning relaxation techniques. They might also consider a family therapy service such as Gam-Anon to help them cope with the effects of their gambling on their families.