What is Gambling?
Gambling refers to any type of betting on the outcome of a contest or event, where something of value is staked for a prize win. It includes card games like poker, blackjack or spades and even lottery tickets and horse or football accumulators. However, bona fide business transactions and insurance contracts are not gambling. Generally speaking, gambling is done in a casino setting, but can also take place in places like gas stations or church halls. People may also bet on sporting events or even the stock market from home with friends and family.
People gamble for all sorts of reasons: for the excitement, to socialise and even to escape from anxiety or worries. For many people, however, their gambling can become out of control and cause them serious harm. It is important to recognise the signs of a problem, such as hiding your gambling, lying about it or avoiding friends and family. If you think you have a gambling problem, it is essential to seek treatment and support.
There are a number of organisations which offer help and advice for people with gambling problems. Depending on the service they provide, they can provide counselling, medication and support for the person with a gambling disorder as well as their family and friends. Some organisations also offer financial management, such as putting someone in charge of your money, closing online betting accounts and keeping only a small amount of cash on you.
The underlying causes of gambling problems are varied and complex, but there is a consensus that they involve impulsiveness. Theories like Zuckerman’s theory of sensation-seeking and Cloninger’s theory of addictive behavioural patterns suggest that the impulsive nature of gambling is related to the enjoyment of diverse or complex sensations, and a lack of inhibitions.
There is also a risk that people with a gambling addiction can end up engaging in illegal activities, such as money-laundering or fraud. These can have serious legal and ethical implications for both the gambler and the community at large. Gambling can also contribute to other psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety and stress. It is therefore important to seek treatment for any underlying mood disorders, especially if they are triggered or made worse by compulsive gambling behaviour. These therapies can include individual counselling, family therapy, marriage or career counseling, and debt or credit management. In addition, it is often helpful to attend a support group with other people who have experienced gambling problems. This can help to reinforce the message that gambling is not acceptable and help you find ways to cope with it in a safe environment. It can also help to gain a better understanding of why your loved one is gambling, so that you do not react in an angry or abusive way. For example, your loved one might be chasing their losses by thinking that they are due for a big win, which is known as the gambler’s fallacy.