Gambling is the act of risking something of value (such as money or property) on an uncertain event with an intention to win a prize. Depending on where you live, gambling may be legal or illegal. It is considered an addictive behaviour and has been linked to substance use disorders, mental health issues and family violence.
While most people who gamble do so with no problem, some develop a pathological disorder. This is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition, called the DSM) as a persistent and recurrent pattern of gambling that causes significant distress or impairment. Adolescents can also suffer from this condition.
Throughout history, understanding of gambling problems has changed. Until recently, the majority of individuals who suffered adverse consequences from their gambling were viewed as gamblers with a psychological problem rather than as problem gamblers with a gambling disorder. This change was influenced by and stimulated by the evolving definition of gambling disorder in the DSM.
Some forms of gambling are purely based on chance, while others require skill and knowledge on the part of the player. Some games, such as poker and sports betting are based on independent events. These are events where the probability of an outcome does not change if it occurs once or if it happens multiple times, such as flipping a coin five times before making a decision to play heads or tails. Others, such as lottery games and casino gambling, are based on dependent events. These are events that depend on other outcomes to occur in order for the person to win, such as the winning numbers of a lottery drawing.
The earliest known evidence of gambling dates to around 2,300 B.C., when tiles were found in China that appear to have been used for a rudimentary game of chance. More recent evidence comes from studies that link gambling behavior to certain biological factors, such as an underactive brain reward system and impulsivity. These results suggest that some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviours and a lack of impulse control, and that these traits can be intensified by alcohol consumption and other environmental influences.
People who struggle with gambling can benefit from therapy and support groups. Therapists can help them work through the specific issues that have contributed to their gambling addiction, such as stress, relationships and financial difficulties. They can also teach clients healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and practicing relaxation techniques.
For many struggling with gambling, the first step in overcoming it is admitting that they have a problem. This can be difficult, especially if the behavior has cost them a lot of money and has strained or even broken their relationships. Some individuals also find it hard to recognize that they have a problem when they are surrounded by people who consider gambling as a normal pastime. If you think you have a gambling problem, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.