Gambling is a form of entertainment or social interaction that involves wagering something of value on an event with a random outcome. It can involve games of chance, like dice or roulette, as well as more strategic activities, such as sports betting or video game gambling.
Although most people who participate in gambling do so responsibly and enjoy the activity, a small percentage become overly involved and struggle to stop, leading to significant negative personal, family, and financial consequences. Psychologists have found that some individuals are at particular risk for developing problems with gambling due to their temperament and genetic predisposition, as well as the cultural influences of their communities.
Many factors can contribute to gambling addiction, including the development of a false sense of confidence and an overestimation of their chances of winning. Some individuals also have biological differences, such as an underactive brain reward system, which can influence how they process rewards and control their impulses. Finally, economic pressures during times of stress may encourage people to seek thrill-seeking activities that offer a quick return on investment, even if they are not a good long-term strategy.
The most common way that people gamble is by placing a bet at a casino or online, but there are other ways to gamble, too. For example, many people enjoy playing video game poker, fantasy leagues or scratch tickets in addition to traditional casino gambling. In addition, some people make regular bets on football or horse races with their friends and coworkers. These types of activities are considered social gambling, because they often do not have the same level of formal regulation and oversight as commercial gambling.
Individuals who have a gambling problem often exhibit several warning signs, including lying to their family members and therapists about their involvement in gambling; attempting to recover money lost by gambling more than once (called “chasing”); engaging in illegal acts, such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement, in order to finance gambling; jeopardizing or losing a job, educational or career opportunity, or a healthy relationship because of gambling; and spending more time gambling than they intended to. People who have a gambling disorder also experience persistent feelings of distress, remorse, and guilt.
The first step in overcoming a gambling problem is realizing that you have a problem. Then, you can take steps to address it. Consider setting boundaries in managing your money, taking control of family finances, and reviewing bank and credit card statements regularly. You may also benefit from therapy, which can help you find alternative coping strategies and learn to recognize the triggers of your gambling behavior. BetterHelp offers a free assessment and can match you with licensed, accredited therapists who specialize in depression, anxiety, relationships, and gambling disorders. Get started today.