Gambling is a risky behavior in which an individual wagers something of value on the outcome of a random event. The winner receives a prize that may be money, a service, or some other form of entertainment. Despite the common perception that gambling is simply about luck, skill and planning are often involved in successful gambles. The ability to control one’s emotions, understand the risks and rewards of gambling, and set realistic financial goals are all essential elements in gambling responsibly.
Some individuals are more susceptible to developing a gambling problem than others. People with low incomes tend to be more likely to develop gambling disorders, and men are more likely to become pathological gamblers than women. People who start gambling young also seem to be at higher risk. Adolescents and young adults who play video and mobile games that involve micro-transactions or payments are at particular risk of developing gambling disorders.
Psychologists and psychiatrists have long offered the traditional explanation that people are driven to gamble by certain personal psychological factors. This view may explain why some people become pathological gamblers, but it cannot account for the dramatic increase in pathological gambling that began around 1970. Other non-psychological changes must be causing this surge, such as economic turmoil, increased consumer spending, and a growing emphasis on profits in business. Technological advancements and new modes of communication, including the proliferation of media coverage of gambling activities, must also have contributed.
The prevalence of gambling as a national problem suggests that it is an important health issue to address. Some primary care providers have begun to evaluate patients for gambling problems. A growing body of evidence supports the view that gambling behavior can be characterized as an addictive disorder, similar to other drug addictions.
It is not uncommon for someone with a gambling disorder to make repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back on or stop gambling. A person with a gambling problem will often gamble when he or she is feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed). In addition, a person with a gambling problem often lies to family members, therapists, or employers to conceal the extent of his or her involvement in gambling. He or she may even jeopardize a job or educational or career opportunity in order to fund gambling.
Families can help by making sure that a loved one’s credit cards and other sources of funds are not easily accessible. They can also encourage the gambler to participate in a support group or gambling treatment program. They can also set boundaries for managing money, such as setting a specific amount of disposable income that can be used for gambling each day and keeping it in an envelope separate from the rest of the household budget. This can help to keep track of how much is spent, and it helps the gambler to stay within the limit even if he or she wins some money.