Gambling is any activity where people stake something of value in an attempt to win a prize. This includes putting money on the outcome of a sporting event, buying lottery tickets or scratch cards and even playing video games with in-game rewards called loot boxes. Some of these activities are regulated by the government, but many others are not.
Problem gambling can damage relationships, hurt work performance or study, cause financial problems and lead to bankruptcy, homelessness and even suicide. It can also harm your physical health and cause stress. You can find help by talking to a friend or family member, calling a support line or attending a self-help group for compulsive gamblers. Some people are able to stop gambling on their own, but for some it is a life-long struggle.
Mental health professionals have developed criteria to identify when a person has a gambling addiction. They are published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is used by professionals to diagnose psychological disorders. The latest version of the DSM classifies gambling disorder alongside other addictive behaviors.
The criteria for gambling disorder include:
Being preoccupied with gambling (e.g., thinking about it all the time, reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture, looking for ways to get more money to gamble). Continuing to gamble even after losing large amounts of money. Trying to make up for lost winnings (“chasing” losses). Feeling the need to be secretive or lie about gambling activities. Using gambling to avoid unpleasant emotions or situations. Keeping gambling up in the face of negative consequences such as job loss, relationship breakups, legal troubles and depression.
Research suggests that gambling is a complex behavior with different factors contributing to its development and maintenance. Some risk factors for gambling disorder are related to genetics, family history and trauma. Other risk factors include poverty and social inequality, especially in women. Symptoms of gambling disorder may start as early as adolescence or as late as adulthood. They can affect both men and women and can be more common in those with a family history of gambling disorder or psychiatric conditions like anxiety and depression.
The treatment for gambling disorder is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches a person how to change unhealthy thoughts and beliefs about gambling. It also teaches strategies to fight urges to gamble and solve financial, work, and relationship problems caused by the gambling addiction. In addition, it is often helpful to treat any underlying mood disorders that are contributing to the gambling addiction. For example, people who have bipolar disorder sometimes develop problem gambling as a comorbid condition and can benefit from treatment for both disorders. In addition to CBT, some treatments for gambling disorder include medication and lifestyle changes.