While it can be fun, gambling can also cause problems. It can affect your physical and mental health, relationships with family and friends, performance at work and study, lead to debt and even homelessness. Problem gambling can be hard to recognise and treat, but it is important that you seek help. You can find non-judgemental support on the GamCare helpline.
Gambling is wagering something of value on an event that is determined at least in part by chance with the intent to win something else of value. It includes games such as slot machines, bingo, buying lottery or scratch tickets, betting on sports events (such as football), and office pools, as well as playing poker, riding horses, and using the stock market. Despite the common perception that gambling is all about winning money, it is not necessarily a game of chance. Unlike slot machines, where the outcome is predetermined by randomness, some games involve significant levels of skill and knowledge on the part of the player. These games, along with the many other types of gambling, can be addictive if taken to extremes.
The term “problem gambling” reflects an understanding of the negative consequences of gambling that has changed significantly over time. Previously, individuals who experienced adverse effects of gambling were seen as having gambling addictions. In fact, a number of psychiatric professionals used the term pathological gambler to refer to those with serious gambling disorders.
Over the past 40 years, the concept of problematic gambling has been debated and refined. There are now multiple theories to explain the development of gambling problems. These theories are based on the idea that gambling is a maladaptive response to life’s pressures and challenges, and may be caused by a combination of factors. These include recreational interest, diminished mathematical skills, poor judgment, cognitive distortions, and moral turpitude.
People who have a gambling problem often feel unable to control their spending or have trouble stopping when they have lost enough money. They may hide their behavior from others or lie to them about their gambling, and they might try to win back their losses by increasing the size of their bets. Trying to overcome these feelings can have damaging long-term effects on their finances, relationships, and careers.
When someone you love has a gambling addiction, it can be difficult to know how to respond. It is important to avoid making the problem worse by not encouraging them to gamble and to take action to help them stop gambling. It is also helpful to seek professional help, such as family therapy, marriage counseling, career counseling, and credit counseling. This can help you address the specific issues that have caused the problem and lay the foundation for repairing your relationship and your financial situation. You might even want to consider taking over managing their money. This will help to prevent them from putting their family at risk for relapse. It is important to remember that gambling companies are designed to make more money than you do, so it is essential to set limits before starting a session.