Gambling is betting something of value, such as money or goods, on an uncertain event whose outcome is determined by chance. It is considered a form of entertainment, but it can also be addictive and cause serious problems. People with gambling disorder experience significant distress and impairment in their daily functioning, and are at risk for suicide.
Although most adults and adolescents have gambled, only a small percentage develop a problem. Several factors can contribute to a person’s vulnerability for gambling disorders, including genetics and personality. Some people may be more prone to developing gambling disorders than others, such as men who are more likely to become addicted to gambling than women. Other risk factors include a history of depression or other mental health disorders, drug or alcohol use, and stressful life events. Children who spend too much time playing video and mobile games that require micro-transactions or payments can be at risk for developing gambling addictions, as well.
A gambling addiction can be challenging for family members to deal with, especially because it’s not always easy to recognise. It’s important to understand why your loved one continues to gamble, so you can better support them and help them seek treatment. There are four main reasons why people gamble. They may do it for coping reasons – to forget their worries, to feel more confident, or because it helps when they’re nervous or depressed. They might do it for financial reasons – to win a jackpot or because they enjoy thinking about what they would do with the money, or because winning makes them feel good. They might do it for social reasons – because they’re with friends who are also gambling, or because they want to be part of the excitement of a casino or racetrack.
The other common reason for gambling is enjoyment – to have fun and get a rush. This can be achieved in a number of ways, but some common examples include sports betting, card games, dice games, lottery tickets, and slot machines. People can also place bets in online casinos. However, it is important to remember that even these activities can lead to serious problems if done excessively or if they involve other people who have a gambling problem.
Another common reason for gambling is to meet basic human needs, such as the need for status and specialness. Casinos are designed to promote this need by rewarding loyal customers and fostering a sense of community. People might also use gambling to relieve boredom or loneliness.
People can also try to cope with the urges to gamble by strengthening their support network, making other social activities and hobbies, or seeking professional help. A variety of effective treatments are available for gambling addiction, and the sooner a problem is identified, the more easily it can be treated. A therapist can help you address any issues that may be contributing to your gambling addiction, and improve your overall wellbeing. BetterHelp’s matched therapists are licensed and accredited, and can help you with anxiety, depression, relationships, and more. Start your assessment now to be paired with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.