Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event that is largely random, with the intent of winning something else of value. It may also refer to activities that use a degree of skill to improve the odds of winning, such as playing card games or betting on horse races.
It is widely recognized that gambling involves a significant degree of impulse control problems. For example, a gambler often will bet more money than they can afford to lose in an attempt to win back the original sum. Gambling can also trigger depression in some people and cause family conflicts, substance abuse, financial difficulties and credit-card debts. These negative consequences of gambling have led to a change in understanding: instead of judging problem gamblers as “bad,” we now recognize them as having psychological problems.
A significant amount of research has been conducted on the psychology of gambling, including both experimental and longitudinal studies. The results of these studies have been very consistent: there is a high rate of problematic gambling in the general population and in many different groups of individuals. However, there is no one form of gambling that stands out as more addictive than others; any type of gambling can lead to problems.
The nature of the behavior underlying problem gambling is not fully understood, but a number of theories have been proposed. These theories link gambling to sensation- and novelty-seeking, arousal, and impulsivity. Some research also suggests that a person’s personality, genetic predisposition, and life events may play a role in whether or not they develop a gambling problem.
Problem gambling can affect anyone, but it is more common in men and younger people. It is estimated that 2.5 million U.S adults (1%) meet diagnostic criteria for a severe gambling disorder. Another 5-8 million (2-3%) have mild to moderate gambling problems. Many of these people may be able to control their gambling and will not need treatment.
There are many resources available to help a person with a gambling problem, from treatment programs modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous to professional counseling and peer support groups. A key to overcoming problem gambling is making positive changes in one’s lifestyle and establishing a strong support network. This can include making friends who do not gamble, limiting access to credit cards, having someone else be in charge of finances, closing online betting accounts and keeping only a small amount of cash on hand.
If you are concerned that a loved one may have a gambling problem, talk to them and encourage them to seek help. If they are reluctant to discuss their problem, you can tell them that it is possible to recover from gambling addiction and share your own experiences. If you have a friend or relative with a gambling addiction, help them to find support by suggesting that they attend an intervention. This can be a powerful and effective way to get them the help they need.
