Gambling is the risking of money or something else of value on an event that is at least partly determined by chance. It can take many forms, from playing slot machines in a casino to betting on sports events or the outcome of an election. Regardless of the form, it is important to understand that gambling is an addiction and that it can cause problems for people who become addicted to it.
In general, the majority of people who gamble do so responsibly and do not develop an addiction to gambling. However, for a small number of people, this can be a problem and they may experience negative consequences, including financial, health, family and work issues. It is therefore increasingly common for health care providers to see patients who have a gambling disorder and to evaluate their gambling behavior. This article aims to describe the rationale for viewing pathological gambling as an addictive disorder, provide guidance on the evaluation of gambling behaviors and discuss evidence that supports the view that some individuals who engage in problematic gambling can be treated.
Despite its negative reputation, gambling is an extremely common pastime and is considered to be legal in most countries. It is estimated that over half of the UK population participates in some type of gambling activity, and a minority of these are classified as problem gamblers (defined as those who experience gambling-related harms).1 Increasingly, primary health care professionals are being asked to evaluate their patients’ gambling behaviors and determine whether they may be exhibiting signs of an addictive disorder.
For some individuals, gambling provides an opportunity to socialise with friends and is portrayed in the media as glamorous, fun and exciting. For others, it is a way to escape from their worries and stresses. It can also be used as a form of self-medication by some people who have mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to gambling becoming a problem, such as genetics, personality and age. People who start gambling at an early age are more likely to develop a problem than those who begin later in life. It is also believed that people who have a close relative with a gambling disorder are more likely to be affected by it.
In addition, there are several psychosocial factors that can contribute to the development of a gambling disorder, such as financial difficulties and emotional distress. In order to combat these, it is important to set boundaries in managing finances; review bank and credit card statements; and seek help and support if needed. There are many organisations that offer assistance, support and counselling for people with a gambling problem and their families. If you think your gambling has got out of hand, please seek help from a professional and look for local referral resources. You can find details of help for gambling problems at StepChange.