In simple terms, gambling involves risking something of value (money, property, reputation) on a random event with the aim of winning something else of value. There is also usually an element of chance and strategy is often discounted. Gambling can take many forms, from playing cards at home to betting on football accumulators.
It’s important to understand why gambling can become problematic and what to look out for. There are several reasons why a person may develop an addiction to gambling, including a genetic predisposition, the early experience of a big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity and using it as an escape from stress. These factors can lead to dramatic changes in the brain’s chemical messaging, and if not addressed can quickly spiral out of control.
The early experience of a big win can trigger a ‘reward circuit’ in the brain, which gives a person a boost of dopamine, making them feel good for a short period of time. This is why people keep gambling; they’re hoping to replicate the feeling of euphoria from their first win. However, over time the chances of winning will decrease and it can lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration.
Gambling becomes problematic when it no longer feels like a form of entertainment, but rather a necessity in order to survive. This is because the person becomes dependent on winning to meet their financial needs and to relieve boredom, which can lead to further problems in the long run. The good news is that there are ways to help a person break the cycle of gambling addiction and find healthier ways of coping with stress, boredom and negative emotions. This can include exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, and practising relaxation techniques.
Another factor that contributes to an individual developing a gambling addiction is overestimating the probability of winning. This can be due to memories of previous wins or stories they have heard from other people. This can also be the result of a ‘hot streak’, where a person wins a series of bets.
For this reason, it’s essential to only ever gamble with money that you can afford to lose. It is also worth setting aside a specific amount of disposable income for entertainment purposes and only using this for gambling, rather than paying bills or rent. By implementing these simple rules, you can avoid the dangers of becoming addicted to gambling.