Gambling is an activity in which you risk something of value, such as money or possessions, in the hope of winning something else of value. You can place a bet on a game of chance, like slot machines or a lottery, or you can make a wager with friends or family. Some people have difficulty stopping gambling once they start, and it can cause significant personal, financial, and social problems. A small percentage of those who gamble develop a gambling disorder, which is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a persistent pattern of involvement with gambling that causes significant distress or impairment.
There are many different reasons why people may begin to gamble, including boredom, stress, or depression. Some people find that gambling helps them to relieve symptoms of mood disorders, but it is important to seek treatment for underlying mood issues. If you find that you are gambling to escape from stressful or difficult feelings, it is a good idea to explore other ways of relieving those feelings, such as exercise, spending time with friends who do not gamble, and trying relaxation techniques.
Research into the causes of gambling disorders has shown that certain brain regions are more active when a person is exposed to excitement, which can lead to impulsive behaviour and an inability to control impulses. Genetic factors also play a role in how the brain responds to gambling and can impact a person’s ability to manage their finances and resist temptation. Some people are at greater risk of developing a problem than others, and vulnerable groups include those with low incomes who have more to lose than gain from a win, as well as adolescents and young adults.
Most people who gamble do so responsibly and enjoy the entertainment that it provides. However, a small percentage of those who gamble become addicted and end up in serious debt, ruining their lives, families and careers. These individuals often have trouble recognizing that they have a problem and may hide their gambling or lie to those close to them, hiding evidence of their activity.
A number of assessment tools have been developed to help identify youth who are at risk of gambling problems, including the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory. These instruments are designed to identify a range of problematic gambling behaviors, including preoccupation with gambling, loss of control, and chasing losses by increasing bets in an attempt to win back lost money.
A variety of services are available to offer support, assistance and counselling for those who have a problem with gambling. These services are offered by community organisations, governmental bodies, and private companies. Depending on the service, the aim is to help the person to control their gambling or to stop it altogether. They can also offer support to family members and friends of the person who is affected by the problem. These services can be particularly helpful for those with a gambling disorder resulting from a mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety or alcohol misuse.