Gambling is an activity where you put something of value at risk on the chance of winning another item of value. There are three elements in gambling: consideration, risk and a prize.
You can gamble with money or other items of value, such as collectible game pieces (e.g., marbles or Pogs). It can also be conducted with skills, such as chess or poker. While gambling can be a form of entertainment, it is also considered a harmful behaviour that can lead to financial, social and psychological problems.
Most people participate in gambling for fun, but a small group of people get too involved and develop a serious problem. The behaviours of these individuals can negatively affect their health, relationships and work. They may also hide their gambling from family members and lie to friends and employers about their involvement. In some cases, people with gambling disorders may engage in illegal activities, such as theft or fraud, to fund their gambling.
When you gamble, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine. This chemical makes you feel good, but it can also trigger an unhealthy cycle where you seek pleasure from gambling and neglect healthier activities like eating and spending time with family. Over time, your brain becomes desensitised to the feelings of pleasure from gambling and you need to gamble more and more to produce those feelings.
Problem gambling can occur when you gamble for longer periods of time, place larger bets and spend more money. In addition, you may experience emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression or guilt. You can also develop a habit of using gambling as an escape or to cope with other problems, such as relationship issues or financial difficulties.
You may not realise that you have a problem with gambling until it starts affecting your life. It is important to recognise the symptoms and seek help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek help, the more likely it is that you will recover.
The causes of gambling disorder are multifactorial, including genetic, environmental and societal factors. People with a genetic predisposition for thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity are more at risk of developing a gambling disorder. In addition, gambling disorder tends to run in families, and some studies of identical twins have found that genetic differences contribute to the risk of developing a gambling disorder.
Various theories of gambling disorders have been proposed, ranging from recreational interest and diminished mathematical skills to psychiatric illness and moral turpitude. Research scientists, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians all frame questions about gambling and its problems differently depending on their disciplinary training and world view. This has led to disagreements over nomenclature and a lack of shared language around the topic. However, a number of therapeutic techniques have been developed to support healthy change in gambling. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that influence your behavior, as well as motivational interviewing.