Gambling involves betting something of value on a random event in the hope of winning. It can include everything from buying lottery tickets to playing casino games or placing wagers on sports events and elections. Some people gamble as a form of entertainment, while others do so to make money. Whatever the motivation, gambling is a dangerous activity that can lead to addiction and other problems.
Some forms of gambling are more addictive than others, but there is no single type of gambling that is more harmful than any other. The risk of developing a problem can vary depending on the individual’s sensitivity to the reward system and their ability to control impulses and weigh risks. Some people also may have a genetic predisposition to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity.
The freedom to gamble became a potent and visible aspect of democratization in eastern Europe and the old Soviet Union at the beginning of the 1990s, as casinos, bingo and street magic boxes opened. But the world of gambling is a shadowy one where first, or even false, names are generally preferred. It is a business where the revenues from the games are routinely underestimated and the lottery advertisements often fail to disclose the odds of winning the big jackpots. And many gamblers are superstitious and irrational, believing that certain patterns of behaviour – like seeing two out of three cherries on a slot machine – indicate that they are about to win.
While there are no medications to treat gambling disorders, psychological therapy can be helpful for many patients. Cognitive-behaviour therapy teaches people to challenge irrational beliefs, such as the idea that a string of losses or close calls indicates that they are about to win. Other treatments involve family therapy, marriage or career counseling and financial and credit counselling, which can help with underlying issues that contribute to problem gambling.
A key step in stopping gambling is to get rid of any financial temptations, such as removing credit cards from your wallet, letting someone else be responsible for your money and closing online gambling accounts. It is also important to limit how much time you spend gambling and to set aside a fixed amount of money that you will play with each day. Keeping this amount of money separate from your regular spending can help you avoid using your bills or rent money to gamble.
Getting help for your gambling problem is vital. If you are struggling, try a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model used by Alcoholics Anonymous. It is also a good idea to reach out to friends and family for support. And find new social activities, such as joining a book club or sports team, enrolling in an education class or volunteering for a cause you care about. These strategies can help you break the habit of gambling and take back your life.