Gambling involves placing a value on an event with random odds that can either result in a win or a loss. It is an activity that is not regulated by law in many countries and it is often conducted with materials of value such as money, chips, cards or collectible game pieces such as marbles or pogs (Magic: The Gathering).
People with gambling disorders can experience a range of symptoms that may include denial, lying and hiding their gambling, withdrawal symptoms, a need to gamble to cope with stress, financial difficulties and thoughts about suicide. People with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety are at particular risk of developing a gambling disorder. Managing these issues is a crucial part of recovering from gambling addiction and can be achieved through therapy, support groups and in some cases medication.
A person’s motivation to gamble can be influenced by social, family and cultural factors. Often, people begin gambling as a way to entertain themselves and can be hooked on the euphoria that comes from winning. It can also provide a sense of excitement and a break from everyday life.
The psychological factor that causes people to gamble is known as partial reinforcement. This means that a person receives some reinforcement when they gamble but the positive impact is not immediate, so it is hard to stop. Moreover, losing can lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration which are exacerbated by the fact that people are more sensitive to losses than they are to gains.
Another reason why gambling can be addictive is because it can lead to false perceptions about the likelihood of winning. This can be because a person has seen stories of other people winning the lottery or because they have a history of luck with gambling themselves. This is known as the ‘gambler’s fallacy’ and can cause people to invest more money to try to make up for previous losses.
In addition, humans are often motivated to feel in control and can use a variety of techniques to try to gain this feeling, such as throwing dice a certain way or wearing a lucky item of clothing. People with gambling problems can also become trapped in a cycle of chasing losses and can find themselves in debt. If this is a concern for you, it may be worth seeking help or contacting a debt advice charity like StepChange for free and confidential advice.
Some people can overcome the urge to gamble and can stop after a few games or after a few drinks. However, others cannot and develop a serious problem. If you suspect that you have a gambling problem, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Counselling can help you understand your behaviour and think about how it is affecting you and those around you. It can also help you solve problems and change your ways of behaving. Support groups can also be helpful, such as Gamblers Anonymous which uses peer support to help people recover from their gambling disorder.