A form of risky betting, gambling involves wagering something of value on an event whose outcome is uncertain with the intention of winning more than you have invested. This may include money, items, or even your own time. In order to gamble, you must consider the odds of winning, decide how much you are willing to risk and then place a bet. In addition, you must understand that you will not win every bet and that there are no guarantees. Gambling also stimulates the brain’s reward system, which can lead to addiction.
While gambling can be fun and offer a rush when things are going your way, it can also become very dangerous. If you have a problem with gambling, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. The sooner you get help, the more likely it is that you will be able to control your behavior and stop gambling for good.
Pathological gambling (PG) is an impulsive, addictive pattern of gambling behavior that meets criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. Symptoms of PG begin in adolescence or early adulthood and usually persist for several years before a diagnosis is made. Approximately 1 to 2.6% of adults meet DSM criterion for a PG diagnosis. PG tends to affect men more than women and is more common in strategic or face-to-face forms of gambling, such as poker or blackjack, than nonstrategic or less interpersonally interactive forms, such as slot machines or bingo.
There are many risk factors for a gambling problem, including mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Studies that have assessed the directionality of this relationship have found that mood disorders often precede or accompany the onset of a gambling problem. This makes it even more critical to seek treatment for any underlying mood issues that may be contributing to your gambling behavior.
People with a gambling problem can have trouble meeting their basic needs, including fulfilling work and home duties, maintaining healthy relationships and paying bills. They are preoccupied with gambling and may lie about or hide their gambling activities from family members or friends. They may also steal or commit fraud to fund their gambling activities, leading to legal problems.
There are several steps you can take to prevent a gambling problem from developing. First, make sure to budget gambling as an expense rather than a source of income. Second, set money and time limits for yourself and stick to them. Third, keep gambling products out of sight and out of mind, and only gamble with cash that you can afford to lose. It is also important to avoid high-risk gambling environments, such as casinos and TABs. Finally, try to fill the void that gambling leaves in your life with other hobbies and activities. If you still find yourself thinking about gambling, you can use a technique known as ‘selective disengagement’ to help you resist the urge.
