Gambling involves betting something of value on a random event, such as a football game or a scratchcard, in the hope of winning something else of value. It includes activities like betting on a team to win a football match, placing bets at a casino or online, and playing poker and other card games. It can be a fun and enjoyable activity, but it also comes with serious risks.
People who gamble can experience problems such as addiction or compulsion, which can lead to financial and social hardship. They may find it difficult to stop gambling and will often lie or hide their spending from others. These problems can affect a person’s life, relationships, work and family. In 2013, a new section on pathological gambling was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), making it a recognised mental health disorder alongside substance use disorders.
Many people who engage in gambling can do so without any issues, but a small number of people develop a problem with the activity. Problem gambling can be triggered by genetic predisposition, a lack of skills or education, and a variety of mood disorders, including depression. It can also be exacerbated by alcohol or drug use, and by living in an area with high rates of gambling availability.
Most people who are addicted to gambling do not realise it and can be deceived by their own behaviour. In addition, the way the brain processes information can make it harder to recognise when gambling is becoming a problem. This is because the brain’s reward centre becomes less active when a person has become accustomed to a habit or activity, and it can be difficult to recognise this change.
There are also a variety of cognitive and motivational biases that can distort the odds of events, leading to false conclusions about their chances of winning. For example, people are more sensitive to losses than gains of the same size – so PS10 lost will generate a larger emotional response than finding PS10. This means that some people who gamble become compelled to continue putting money on events and trying to win back their previous investments, which can lead to a cycle of debt and relapse.
If you are concerned that someone you care about is exhibiting signs of gambling addiction, it’s important to seek help. Counselling can help them to understand their issues and consider options, while support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous can provide peer support. In addition, a range of other therapies can be used to address the root causes of the problem, such as family therapy, marriage counseling, and career or credit counselling. Medications can also be helpful, but only if they are prescribed by a healthcare professional and used in conjunction with other treatments.