Gambling is when people risk something of value (money, goods, property or even reputation) on an event involving chance and where skill is not involved. People can gamble in a variety of ways, including scratchcards and fruit machines, betting on football or horse races, online or offline casinos, bingo, lottery and even playing video games. It is a behaviour that can be addictive, resulting in financial, emotional and family problems. Until recently, the psychiatric community only saw problem gambling as a behavioural addiction, but now it is also recognised as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Some people gamble for social reasons, such as with friends, or for a small amount of money. They may also be motivated by the thought of winning a large prize, such as a life-changing sum of money or a new car. Others find that the activity provides a rush or high and can be used to distract from unpleasant feelings or situations.
When gambling becomes problematic, it is no longer a form of entertainment. Instead, it becomes a way to profit or escape, with the harms outweighing the benefits. When someone has a problem with gambling, the reward pathway in their brain is changed, reducing the ability to regulate behavior. This is similar to what happens with drug or alcohol use, where the reward from taking drugs overtakes a person’s ability to make healthy choices.
The early big win is one of the biggest triggers of gambling addiction, and is a significant factor in maintaining a gambling habit. It is thought that this effect occurs because the dopamine that is produced when experiencing a positive experience (such as shooting basketballs into a net) increases the likelihood of repeating the action. The larger the win, the more this is reinforced. In addition, the greater the perceived control over outcomes, the less likely a person is to stop gambling.
Boredom susceptibility and impulsivity are also important factors in a person’s vulnerability to become addicted to gambling. It is believed that these factors interact with each other to promote a person’s initiation and progression into gambling behavior. Boredom susceptibility is associated with a lack of interest in other activities, while impulsivity can lead to the feeling of needing to gamble to feel productive and active.
It can be hard to acknowledge a loved one has a gambling problem, especially when it is causing them significant personal and financial harm. However, it is possible to break this cycle, and help someone regain control of their life. There is a range of support services available, including family therapy and marriage counseling, to help individuals work through the issues created by gambling and lay the foundation for repairing relationships. There are also a number of self-help and community support groups for people with gambling disorders. It takes tremendous strength and courage to admit you have a problem, but it is very possible to overcome it.