Gambling involves risking something of value, often money, on an event that is purely random and outside your control with the hope of winning something else of value. This may be money, goods or services. Gambling can also be done with materials that have a monetary value but are not actual money, such as marbles or collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering. Many governments regulate gambling and it is a source of significant revenue for some of them.
Problem gambling can have serious and negative consequences for the person involved, their family, friends and work colleagues. It can damage health and wellbeing, impact relationships, cause financial problems and even lead to homelessness. People who have problems with gambling may also experience a lack of energy, concentration or motivation and become irritable or angry easily. They may withdraw from social activities and lose interest in hobbies and work. It can also affect the quality of their sleep and they may be unable to cope with stress and anxiety. It can also be disruptive to their studies and employment and can even cause them to commit crimes such as robbery or fraud.
The term ‘gambling’ encompasses a wide range of activities, from betting on football matches or horse races to playing scratchcards. It can be conducted in casinos, on the internet or at a friend’s house. Some types of gambling involve skill, such as poker or bingo, while others are pure chance. The odds of a winning bet are set by the oddsmaker – the company that runs the game – and can range from 5/1 (the chances of winning) to 2/1 (the chances of losing).
Research has shown that when you gamble, your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that makes you excited. This can make you feel a rush of excitement when you win and can keep you from realising that you are wasting money. However, the brain continues to produce dopamine if you lose and some people find it hard to stop gambling, even when they are losing.
It is thought that about 2.5 million Americans have a severe gambling disorder and another 5-8 million have mild to moderate problems. This is a large number of people who can’t control their gambling. It is important to understand that problems with gambling can occur in anyone regardless of their age, economic situation, culture, education level or medical history.
The current understanding of problematic gambling has changed dramatically in recent years. People who have problems with gambling are now seen as having psychological rather than social or medical issues. This change reflects the fact that the way that the brain is affected by gambling is similar to the effects of alcohol and drugs on some individuals. It is now believed that problem gamblers are in a position to benefit from the same treatment and support as alcoholics. This change has been reflected in, or stimulated by, the changes in the DSM-5 and in the increased emphasis on behavioral addictions in it.