Gambling is an activity where people risk something of value, usually money, on an event that has a degree of randomness or chance and is based on a desire to win. While most people who gamble enjoy the game and have fun, a small number develop serious gambling problems that can have devastating personal, family and financial consequences.
People from all backgrounds can have a problem with gambling. However, some groups are more likely to develop a problem than others. These include people who live alone, older people, those with depression, people who are socially isolated or lonely, those with a history of alcohol misuse and those with mental health problems like anxiety and suicidal ideation. People who work in casinos or betting shops are also more likely to have a gambling problem.
In addition, certain people may be genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviours and impulsivity, or have an underactive brain reward system. This can make it harder for them to process reward information, control impulses and weigh risks when making decisions. Some people may also find it easier to develop gambling problems as a result of their environment, including friends who encourage them or social pressure to join in. Others may struggle to resist the temptation of video games or mobile phone apps that ask for micro-transactions and payments.
Some types of gambling are purely based on luck, while others are partly based on skill. For example, when you place a bet on a football match or scratchcard, you are making a choice of which team to bet on and then the odds of winning are set by the betting company. These odds are based on the chances that the chosen event will happen, but they don’t take into account the fact that other factors can influence the outcome.
If you are concerned that someone you know has a gambling problem, it is important to seek help for them. You can find support for yourself and your loved ones through organisations that offer helplines, face-to-face counselling or residential treatment programs. Some of these programmes are aimed at people who are severely addicted to gambling and require round-the-clock care.
If you are trying to manage a loved one’s gambling, it is helpful to approach the issue as a health problem rather than a lifestyle issue. This will reduce resistance, and avoid a focus on the feelings of guilt or shame that the person may feel about their behavior. It will also avoid using diagnostic terms such as compulsive or pathological gambling, even if the person later meets criteria for these conditions in a mental health assessment. This approach can be particularly helpful if the person is reluctant to discuss their problem with a GP or is resistant to diagnosis. However, it is essential that you have an open and honest conversation with your loved one about their gambling problem and how it is affecting their life. This can be a difficult and emotional conversation, but it is crucial in helping them to get help.
