Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event with a random outcome. This activity can be a fun, social experience for most people, but for some individuals it can become dangerous. This is known as Problem gambling or Gambling Disorder. Problem gambling can cause many negative personal, social and financial issues.
Many forms of gambling exist, including betting on horse races and football games, lottery, casino and online gambling. However, some types of gambling are not easily recognized as gambling – for example, playing card games with friends in a home setting and placing bets on sporting events like golf or soccer are examples of private gambling. Other forms of gambling are commercial and include the operation of casinos, lotteries, sports betting and scratch cards.
Unlike other recreational activities, gambling is often framed as being “just a bit of fun.” The gambling industry uses this to promote its products and encourage people to gamble. The ubiquity of gambling advertisements makes it difficult for some to avoid it. These ads are also seen on television, in social media and as sponsors for things like sporting teams.
The majority of the world’s legal money is spent on gambling, and it is one of the largest global industries. It is estimated that the total turnover of gambling in the world exceeds $10 trillion (although illegal gambling could be much higher).
People gamble for many reasons. Some gamble for the thrill of winning, while others do it to escape from everyday life or for the social rewards. Regardless of the motivation, the fact that gambling is based on chance makes it a form of superstition and a denunciation of God’s sovereignty.
In addition, there are various psychological and environmental factors that can contribute to the development of a gambling disorder. These include:
The risk of gambling disorders can be mitigated by educating the public about the risks and warnings associated with gambling. However, the most effective way to help someone struggling with gambling is to identify it as a health issue and offer support. To do this, clinicians need to recognise the signs of harm: