Causes of Gambling Problems
Gambling is a common recreational activity in which a person wagers something of value with the hope of winning something else of value. Usually the wager is money but it can also be goods, services or even one’s own life. A person can gamble in public or privately, with others or alone, on games of chance or skill. Private gambling can include card games like poker and blackjack played among friends, bets placed on sporting events such as football accumulators or horse races, or games of chance such as roulette or bingo. In some cases, people make bets on business, insurance or stock markets.
Despite its widespread popularity, gambling can have negative social and economic consequences. The risk of developing a gambling problem increases with the frequency, intensity and duration of gambling. In addition, it has been associated with depression, substance abuse, and other mood disorders. Gambling can also interfere with a person’s ability to work, study or care for others. It is important to recognize and seek treatment for gambling problems, as they can have serious health and legal implications.
The most commonly recognized form of gambling is betting on sports, games of chance or randomness, lotteries and other forms of speculative betting. In the United States, people can place bets on horse and dog racing, casino games such as slot machines, video poker, two-up or roulette, lottery tickets, scratch-off instant games, and the outcome of political elections, upcoming sports events or other contests. Gambling can also be conducted online and on mobile devices, with instant access to virtual casinos, lotteries, and video games with gambling elements.
A person’s motives for gambling may vary, but some common ones are to relieve stress, change their mood, or socialize with friends. The excitement and potential for a large win can trigger the brain’s reward system, creating feelings of euphoria. Some people who have a genetic predisposition to thrill-seeking behaviors and impulsivity are especially vulnerable to gambling addiction.
Many people develop gambling problems in their twenties, but people can start gambling at any age. In fact, young people are the fastest-growing group of gamblers. Many begin by playing games of chance in their social circles, with their parents.
It’s important to understand the causes of gambling problems, so that you can help a loved one struggling with this issue. For example, you can encourage them to look into effective treatments for gambling addiction, and share your own experiences with this problem. You can also offer practical help, such as setting boundaries in managing their money and taking control of family finances, reviewing bank and credit card statements, or suggesting they see a professional counselor for help.
Some people with gambling disorder are reluctant to accept they have a problem, as they do not consider it an immoral or unhealthy behavior. However, it is important to remember that pathological gambling can have the same negative impact on a person’s life as drug and alcohol addictions do.