The glitz of twinkling casinos, the thrill of betting on horses or the rush of rolling the dice in a noisy game of bingo or roulette are common associations with gambling. While most people enjoy placing a bet now and then, some individuals develop problematic gambling behaviours, which can cause significant harm to their health. Some of these problems include financial stress, relationship breakdown and even mental illness. The legacy of these behaviours can continue throughout life and even transmit intergenerationally. In the US alone, more than 10 million adults have a gambling problem.
Some individuals struggle to recognize when their gambling is a problem, especially when it takes on a cultural significance. The media often portrays gambling as a fun, glamorous and exciting pastime, which can be particularly seductive for young people. It is also a common source of entertainment for those with social distancing from family and friends or for those who are grieving, bored or depressed.
Problem gambling is a serious problem that has a devastating impact on personal and community health. It can lead to financial stress, relationship breakdown, homelessness and even mental illness. In severe cases, it can result in suicide. In fact, problem gambling is the leading cause of suicide among those with substance use and other types of addictions. It is estimated that the cost of gambling-related harms to society is more than $700 billion annually, including losses in wages and productivity, family and social services, crime and incarceration.
The majority of gambling occurs in private settings, such as card games with friends or at home, casino visits and sports wagering on football matches, horse races or the lottery. Individuals may also place bets on the outcome of events such as political elections and television quizzes. Private gambling is typically low risk and provides enjoyment and social interaction. Public and commercial gambling, on the other hand, is often a high-risk activity with little to no control over the results.
While most adults and adolescents gamble occasionally without problems, a significant subset of these individuals develop a gambling disorder, which is classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a gambling addiction. It is most common in those with lower incomes, who are more likely to have a greater chance of losing than winning. It is also most prevalent in men and young people.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to problematic gambling, including an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity and an inability to understand random events. To avoid gambling becoming a problem, it is important to only gamble with money that you can afford to lose and only play for the amount of time you have set aside. It’s also a good idea to avoid using credit cards when playing, as these can easily encourage over-gambling behaviour. Talking with someone you trust and not using gambling as a way to socialise are additional helpful strategies.
