Gambling is risking something of value (money or other assets) on the outcome of a game of chance, such as by betting on horse races or slot machines. The hope is that you will win more money than you lose.
Gambling can be fun and rewarding, but if you’re not careful it can become harmful. It’s important to understand the risks and how to get help if you are struggling with gambling or know someone who is.
The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. You can also seek help from friends, family, or professionals. If you’re having trouble stopping or have a problem controlling your spending, there are many free, confidential services that can help.
In addition to the physical and psychological harms, gambling has been linked with relationship breakdown, family violence, financial distress, crime, addiction, and erosion of civil institutions through corruption and corporate political activity. It can also lead to the loss of employment, and contribute to poverty among disadvantaged peoples.
A large part of gambling behavior is determined by genetics, with additive effects from environmental factors. However, a significant number of people do not respond to environmental influences and develop problems with gambling.
When you gamble, your brain releases a hormone called dopamine. This chemical rewards you when you win, which helps you learn and improve your skills. Problematic gambling changes the dopamine reward pathway, making it harder for you to control your behavior.
Almost half of all problem gamblers are women, and more than a third are under the age of 35. In addition, women are more likely to experience depression and substance use disorders.
In some cases, the symptoms of gambling disorder can be confused with other conditions, including anxiety and depression. Pathological gambling is often described as a form of addiction, and the DSM-5 has recognized it as such. A diagnosis of gambling disorder is made when an individual exhibits at least four of the following symptoms over a period of 12 months:
To minimize gambling harm, governments should ensure gambling products and services are well-regulated. This includes ensuring that the design of electronic gaming machines is transparent, and avoiding “dark nudges” that encourage extended use through social engineering. In addition, health promotion messages should be aimed at reducing the normalization of gambling by emphasizing the negative impact on mental and physical wellbeing. The use of universal pre-commitment and self-exclusion systems is the most effective approach for preventing gambling addiction and harm. Voluntary systems tend to have poor uptake and are not enforceable. In addition, governments should promote efforts to reduce gambling-related harms by promoting prevention. This can include reducing the stigma and shame associated with gambling, ending advertising and promotion, and focusing on other upstream measures.