Gambling involves placing something of value, usually money, on an event that has a chance of winning a higher prize. It is not uncommon to find people betting on sports events, games of chance such as lotteries or bingo, or even horse races or slot machines in some countries. This activity is often regulated and taxed by governments to control its effects on the economy.
The most common reason for harmful gambling is financial and it can lead to relationship problems, legal troubles, mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, and debt. In some cases, it may even cause suicide. The good news is that there are ways to overcome harmful gambling and rebuild a healthy life.
Myth: A person who gambles only once or twice a week is not a problem gambler. Fact: Problem gambling can occur anywhere, at any time. Problem gamblers are found in all age groups, and a single incident of gambling can trigger addiction. It is important to recognise the signs of problem gambling and seek help before it becomes out of control.
Pathological gambling (PG) is characterized by persistent and recurrent maladaptive patterns of gambling behavior that meet the criteria for a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition). It is estimated that 0.4%-1.6% of the US population meets these criteria.
Several risk factors are associated with a greater likelihood of developing PG, including age, gender, and family history. Generally, men develop PG at a younger age and are more likely to report problems with strategic forms of gambling, such as card playing and casino games, whereas women are more likely to report problems with nonstrategic, less interpersonally interactive forms of gambling, such as lotteries and bingo.
It is estimated that more than 10 trillion dollars are legally wagered on gambling activities worldwide each year (illegal gambling may exceed this figure). The majority of this sum is spent on lottery games, followed by horse races and sports events. Other forms of gambling include dice, keno, roulette, poker, and scratchcards.
A person who is addicted to gambling is more likely to suffer from other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder and has a higher risk of suicide. There is also a strong link between gambling and thoughts of suicide, especially among young people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, call 999 or visit A&E immediately.
There are many things you can do to help someone with a gambling addiction, such as encouraging them to join a support group like Gamblers Anonymous or arranging family therapy. It is also important to set boundaries when managing money. For example, a person who has an addiction to gambling may spend more on gambling than they actually have, so it is essential that family members set strict limits. This will prevent them from going into debt and ensure their own financial well-being is not compromised. In addition, family members should consider seeking professional advice on managing debt.
