Gambling involves risking something of value in order to win something of greater value. The activity can take many forms including billiards, bingo, casino games, horse racing and lotteries. Many people enjoy gambling for social, recreational or financial reasons. However, for some individuals gambling can become a problem. Problem gambling can have a negative impact on a person’s health and wellbeing. This is why it is important to be aware of the risk factors and warning signs that someone may have a gambling addiction.

Problem gambling, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is a serious mental health condition that affects a person’s ability to control their behaviour. This condition is recognised in the DSM-5 and can cause significant harm to a person’s life, relationships and work.

Several factors contribute to the development of a gambling addiction, including an early big win, the size of the wins and losses, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity, a poor understanding of random events, the use of escape coping and stressful life experiences. Combined, these factors can lead to a vicious cycle of excessive gambling and increased losses that eventually outweigh the enjoyment and fun associated with the hobby.

In most cases, individuals who experience a gambling problem do not seek help for their addictive behaviour. For those that do, a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication can be used to address the underlying issues that are causing the gambling problem. It is also helpful to talk about the issue with someone who will not judge you such as a family member or counsellor.