Gambling is the wagering of something of value, including money or other people’s property, on an uncertain event with a goal of winning something else of value. This can include putting money on a horse race or lottery ticket, playing slot machines or table games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette. It also includes other activities, such as participating in a fantasy sports league or buying a raffle ticket. There are many factors that may provoke problematic gambling behavior, including personality traits and coexisting mental health conditions. Some people who gamble do so excessively, resulting in significant negative personal and family consequences.
A person’s environment can also influence their risk for developing problem gambling. For example, a person who lives in an area with a high concentration of casinos is at greater risk than someone who doesn’t live near any gambling establishments. People who gamble at work may also be at higher risk than those who don’t, because they’re more likely to have a positive attitude toward gambling and are more likely to engage in it regularly.
While the majority of individuals who gamble do so for recreation, a small number of people develop serious problems with gambling and continue to gamble despite significant and negative personal, social, family, and financial effects. These individuals are referred to as pathological gamblers and are considered to have an addiction to gambling. They have a different brain chemistry from those who don’t have a gambling disorder and experience cravings for gambling like any other substance addiction.
There is a growing role for primary care physicians to evaluate their patients for addictive disorders. Gambling disorder is the only behavioral addiction recognized by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Research on this topic has been limited, but evidence suggests that gambling disorder shares a number of similarities with drug use disorders, such as their ability to change brain chemistry and the presence of withdrawal and tolerance features.
The DSM-5 lists the following criteria for gambling disorder:
Symptoms of gambling disorder include spending more than you can afford to lose and lying to loved ones about your gambling activities. These symptoms can lead to financial difficulties, legal issues, and strained relationships. Psychotherapy can help you overcome gambling disorder by addressing the underlying causes of the disorder. Some therapies include psychodynamic therapy, which looks at the unconscious processes that affect your behavior, and group therapy, which can be a supportive environment for you. Your therapist can also teach you strategies to prevent future episodes of gambling disorder and how to cope with them when they occur. They can also help you reconnect with your family and friends. They can even assist you in finding a treatment facility for gambling disorder. This is an essential step in regaining control of your life.