Gambling is when you risk money or something else of value on an activity based on chance. This could be on a fruit machine, betting on football matches or even a game of online poker. If you win the gamble, then you get the prize – but if you lose, then you lose the money you invested. It is often seen as a social activity and many people use gambling as a way of passing the time, relaxing with friends or even to relieve boredom. But when a person becomes addicted to gambling, their life can be turned upside down and they may start to neglect other important things in their lives.
Problem gambling can be difficult to recognise and it’s often referred to as a ‘hidden addiction’ because there are rarely any outward signs or symptoms of the problem. The addiction can be triggered by a number of different factors, including financial problems, depression, loneliness or other stressors. It can also develop because of a false sense of reward, where a person believes that the pleasure they are getting from gambling is equal to or greater than the risk they are taking.
In order to gain a positive return from a gamble, a person will need to be able to predict the outcome of the gamble, and in most cases this will require some sort of skill or luck. This is why some people are at higher risk of becoming addicted to gambling than others. People who have a low level of educational attainment or those who are unemployed, for example, are more likely to develop a gambling problem than those with an average income and education level. Young people are also particularly vulnerable to developing gambling problems, with up to 5% of adolescents and young adults who gamble going on to develop a gambling disorder.
While it is widely accepted that gambling is a form of addiction, the exact cause of gambling isn’t fully understood. It is thought that a combination of factors, including genetics, environment and learning from experience may play a role. There is also some evidence that certain mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia may increase the likelihood of someone developing a gambling addiction, as these conditions are associated with an altered reward system in the brain.
There are a number of ways that a person can overcome a gambling addiction, but the first step is often recognising that they have a problem. This can be a hugely difficult step, especially if the addiction has caused financial difficulties or has damaged relationships, but it is worth remembering that there are many other people who have been in the same position and have been able to break the habit.
Strengthen your support network and find healthier ways of relieving boredom or self-soothing unpleasant emotions. For example, try spending more time with family and friends who don’t gamble or take up a new hobby such as exercise or volunteering. There are also a range of peer support groups that can help, such as Gamblers Anonymous which is modelled on Alcoholics Anonymous.