Gambling is an activity in which people risk something of value (money or other items) to predict the outcome of a game or event that involves chance. This is a form of entertainment and is regulated by state and federal laws in the United States. Gambling is not a reliable way to make money and is very dangerous if it becomes a problem. It can also cause emotional distress, relationship problems and loss of employment. If you think your gambling is causing harm, there are things you can do to stop it. You can get help from family and friends, or a support group like Gamblers Anonymous. You can also learn to cope with unpleasant feelings in healthier ways – for example, by exercising, spending time with non-gambling friends, taking up a hobby or practicing relaxation techniques. You can reduce the financial risks by not using credit cards or borrowing money to gamble and by avoiding gambling venues.
Most adults and adolescents gamble at some point in their lives. Most do not develop a gambling disorder, but for some the urge to gamble can become overwhelming and problematic. Problem gambling is defined as a recurrent and uncontrollable urge to gamble that leads to distress, impairment or financial loss. Those who develop gambling disorders can often have other psychological and physical health problems such as alcohol misuse, depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation.
Many people start to gamble for social reasons – they may be attracted to the excitement of a casino or their friends’ stories of winning big. Others begin to gamble because they are trying to self-soothe unpleasant emotions or relieve boredom. Others try to overcome their low self-esteem or a feeling of being out of control by betting on events that they cannot influence.
People who have a gambling problem often feel guilty and ashamed about their addiction. This can lead to a lack of openness and difficulty seeking help, and it can also affect relationships with family and friends. Some people have a genetic tendency to gamble excessively, and research has shown that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can increase the chances of developing a gambling disorder.
Some people develop a gambling problem because they have a history of trauma, abuse or neglect, and gambling can be a way to escape their distressing thoughts. Other people develop a gambling disorder because they are highly impulsive or antisocial, and they can be attracted to the fast-paced, high-risk environment of casinos and online games. It is important to understand the mechanisms of gambling disorders to be able to identify which types of treatment are most effective. One approach is cognitive behavioral therapy, which can include identification of pathways to addiction and the development of gambling avoidance strategies. Other approaches are inpatient and residential programs for those with severe gambling problems who need round-the-clock support. In these programs, patients are offered a safe place to live and access to support groups and other services.