Gambling is a behaviour that involves risking money or other items of value on an event with a prize, where there is an element of randomness or chance. This can include betting on sports events, games of chance like scratchcards or fruit machines, and casino gambling. The outcome of a gamble depends on chance, but can also be determined by skill, knowledge or other factors. It can cause harm to physical and mental health, relationships and work performance, and can lead to debt or homelessness. This article will explore what gambling is, how it works, why people do it, and how to recognise and address problem gambling.
Some people gamble for a social or entertainment reason. They may enjoy the atmosphere of a casino, or find it fun to try to win prizes or jackpots. For others, it is a way to forget their problems or escape from them. The media often portrays gambling as fun, sexy, glamorous and fashionable, which can encourage some to gamble. It is possible that some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking and impulsiveness, which can influence how they process reward information, control impulses and weigh risks.
Problematic gambling can occur when the enjoyment of the activity becomes more important than a person’s long term financial and psychological well being. Some people can become addicted to gambling for a variety of reasons, including boredom, loss, depression, anxiety or grief. It can also be an attempt to make up for financial problems, and can be exacerbated by stressful life events.
The pleasure that is experienced while gambling is due to the brain’s dopamine response. Dopamine is produced when we experience a positive event, and is a normal part of the learning process, for example when practicing a skill such as shooting basketballs into a net. However, when a person gambles excessively, the brain becomes over-stimulated by dopamine and loses its ability to control impulses and stop gambling.
When gambling becomes problematic, a person can lose control of their finances and end up in serious debt, sometimes even to the point of being homeless. Problematic gambling can also affect a person’s relationships, work performance and studies, and can have a negative impact on family members. People may also lie to friends and family about how much they gamble, or hide evidence of their gambling from them. If you think you might be suffering from a gambling problem, please contact us for help and advice. We recommend that you start by working through the self-help sections on this site, which will guide you towards a happier and healthier lifestyle that is free from gambling harms. The NHS website also has details of other organisations which can offer support, advice and counselling to people affected by problem gambling.