Gambling is a form of risk-taking that involves betting something of value (money or other material goods) on an uncertain event with the hope of winning more money or materials. It may involve games such as lottery, casino games, sports betting or online gambling. Gambling can be harmful if done to excess and can impact physical health, relationships, work, school or study performance, and financial security. It’s important to understand the risks involved in gambling and how to seek help if you have a problem.
Many people enjoy a little bit of gambling from time to time – buying a lotto ticket, throwing a coin in the fountain or using the pokies – but there’s a big difference between enjoying a flutter and having a gambling disorder. Gambling disorders can cause serious problems and even lead to debt, which can be very difficult to manage. There’s also a strong link between mental illness and gambling, so it’s important to get help if you think you have a gambling addiction.
There are several different types of gambling disorder – from the risk of developing a gambling problem to those that meet the criteria for pathological gambling as defined by the DSM. The psychiatric community is continually refining its understanding of the causes and treatment of gambling disorders.
In general, the term ‘gambling’ is used to describe any activity that involves a chance of losing or winning and where skill does not play a significant part in the outcome. However, in some instances skills can improve a person’s chances of winning, such as knowledge of card games or horse racing. For this reason, it is possible for some gambling activities to be considered both a game of chance and a game of skill.
Some people may use gambling to relieve unpleasant emotions such as boredom or loneliness, or to socialise with friends. Others might be under pressure financially, and are desperate to find ways of easing their tensions. Whatever the reason, it’s important to recognise that there are healthier and safer ways of dealing with these feelings, such as exercise, healthy eating and spending time with family or friends who don’t gamble.
It’s important to realise that gambling is not a way to make money, and that any wins should be budgeted as entertainment expenses and not as a source of income. It’s also important to have realistic expectations about how much you can win, and that it is unlikely that you will be able to recover any losses.
People from some backgrounds can be more susceptible to gambling disorders, for example, people who have lower incomes and are more likely to gamble to try and make up for financial loss. In addition, women are more likely to develop a gambling disorder than men. It can be very difficult to ask for help when you have a gambling problem, but there is help out there – you can call a support service such as Gamblers Anonymous or speak to your GP.
