Gambling involves placing something of value (money) at risk in the hope of winning something else of value. It may take the form of lottery tickets, cards, fruit machines, instant scratchcards, races and animal tracks, sports events or even dice games. Like other activities that involve putting something at risk, gambling can be fun and can also teach people how to make decisions. However, it can also be addictive and lead to serious financial and personal harm.
Most adults and adolescents have placed some kind of bet at one time or another. But a subset of those who gamble go on to develop gambling disorder, which is recognised as a mental health issue. It’s important to recognise a problem and seek help, particularly if your gambling is causing distress or affecting your relationships.
Many different kinds of gambling exist, and some are more problematic than others. The most common is placing a bet on a sporting event, such as a football match or horse race. This activity is usually promoted heavily in the media, for example by social media or wall-to-wall sponsorship of football teams. The odds of a team winning a game are set by the betting company and, in some cases, aren’t always obvious.
People who gamble often do so as a way to self-soothe unpleasant emotions, such as boredom or anxiety. They may also gamble as a way to socialise or escape from worries or stress. It’s important to find healthier ways of relieving these feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or taking up new hobbies. If you’re struggling with depression, it’s best to seek professional help.
There is some evidence that a link exists between gambling and mental health problems such as depression, but this remains controversial. It’s hard to conduct longitudinal studies on this subject because of logistical and funding issues. Also, a person’s motivation to gamble can change over time, which makes it difficult to analyse their behaviour over a long period.
It is known that a higher proportion of disadvantaged young people and men develop gambling disorders, but the exact reason for this is unclear. This may be because these groups are more likely to be prone to addiction, or because they have more to lose.
People with a gambling problem can be treated using psychological therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy. This can help them learn how to think differently about gambling, for example by challenging beliefs such as believing they’re more likely to win than they really are, or that certain rituals will bring luck. Other types of therapy, such as family therapy and marriage and credit counselling, can help to repair strained relationships and restore finances. For more information on how to get help, see the links at the bottom of this article. You can also speak to a trained advisor at StepChange for free debt advice. This service is confidential and anonymous. They can also give you personalised recommendations for treatment or support in your area.