Gambling is defined as any activity where one places something of value (such as money) on an event whose outcome depends partly on chance, with the hope that they can win and increase its value by doing so. Examples include betting on sports events, purchasing lottery tickets or scratchcards and playing casino games.
Problem gambling occurs when repeated bouts of gambling lead to more losses than wins, creating an ever-increasing negative impact on one’s life – this impact could be financial, social or psychological in nature. People affected by problem gambling may be reluctant to seek assistance and blame themselves for their addiction; family and friends often find it hard to recognise any signs that gambling has become an issue because it is considered normal activity in certain cultures and thus remains concealed from view.
An individual’s susceptibility to gambling problems can be affected by genetic, personal, cultural and community influences, including how their culture or community views gambling activities. Research has also indicated that certain people may possess an underactive brain reward system which makes weighing risk against reward and controlling impulses more difficult than usual. Additional risk factors can include experiencing stressful life events; being bored easily; using escape coping as an escape strategy as well as prior stressful life experiences that triggered gambling behaviours as risk factors.
As gambling opportunities increase worldwide, governments face greater difficulties protecting consumers from unregulated practices and collecting taxation revenue lawfully. This problem is compounded by online gambling platforms which make it easy for gamblers to play outside their jurisdiction; governments must collaborate internationally in order to safeguard citizens against these dangers.
Gambling’s definition has evolved over time, necessitating standardised terminology so researchers, clinicians and other interested parties can communicate accurately. This is essential as understanding of its adverse consequences has evolved from viewing them as due to poor choices to recognising that they stemmed from psychological issues underlying gambling behaviour – this shift being reflected by classification of pathological gambling into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (or DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Self-assessment tools can be an effective way to assess whether or not gambling problems exist in your life, and discussing this subject with someone such as a friend or counsellor may also prove valuable. Reducing the risk of gambling involves limiting high-risk activities and spending. Focusing on another hobby or recreational activity may also help lessen your urges to gamble, as can support services that offer counseling or debt management. At its core, a tailored treatment plan is the most effective approach. Early recognition of gambling problems is essential as they can have serious negative consequences; sooner help is received the greater its chance of recovery; therefore the first step should be identifying them and setting recovery goals.