Gambling is an activity where people place something of value (money or possessions) on a random event with the aim of winning money or other goods. This can include activities such as betting on a football match, buying a lottery ticket or playing scratchcards. Some people can enjoy gambling in moderation but for some it becomes a serious problem that affects their physical and mental health, relationships, work or study performance and can leave them in debt or even homeless.
It is estimated that over 2.5 million people in the U.K have a severe gambling disorder, and a further 5-8 million people have a less severe form of the problem. People with a severe problem may have to borrow or steal money to fund their gambling and often suffer from depression, anxiety or other problems as a result. Their behaviour can also cause harm to their family, friends and work colleagues.
Many people find it hard to recognise that their gambling is a problem and will try to hide or lie about how much they are spending or the amount of time they are spending on gambling. They may try to convince themselves that their gambling is OK or that they will get back their money if they win. This can make them feel isolated and lonely.
The reason why gambling can be so addictive is not fully understood but it appears that some people have a genetic predisposition to seek thrills, and certain brain areas are involved in processing reward information and controlling impulses. The behaviour can also be triggered by underlying mood disorders such as depression, stress or substance abuse which can be made worse by compulsive gambling and make it harder to stop.
Some people also develop a gambling problem because of the environment or community they live in, which can influence their exposure to gambling and whether it is a normal or harmful activity for them. Other factors such as social networks, gender, age, the media and the culture in which they live can also influence their relationship with gambling and what causes them to be affected by it.
Some people gamble as a way to relax, escape from boredom or socialize and there is a lot of pressure in the media to portray gambling as fun, exciting and glamorous. The chance of winning a large sum of money can also be attractive as it provides a feeling of euphoria and this is linked to the brain’s reward system. People can also be influenced by their culture or what is considered normal in their community and this can make it harder for them to recognize a gambling problem. Counselling can help people understand the reasons they gamble, think about their choices and consider options and solve problems. Support from family and friends can be helpful too. Treatment for gambling problems can include group therapy, individual counselling, couple therapy and family therapy and financial and credit counseling.