Gambling involves betting something of value – usually money – on events that are determined at least partly by chance in order to increase its worth. Gambling has existed throughout human history and many cultures utilize it as social activities or even rites of passage.
Gambling can be enjoyable for most people when done responsibly and with no adverse side-effects; however, for some individuals gambling can quickly become an addiction with dire personal, family, and financial repercussions. Pathological gambling has steadily been increasing over time; as with substance abuse it is now widely recognized that it should be classified as a mental health disorder.
Gambling requires taking an irresponsible risk in order to win big, with odds always stacked against them and more likely than not expecting to lose. Yet many continue gambling for excitement or false hope they might just win big despite these odds, leading them down an unpredictable path of debts, financial strain, relationship troubles, depression, mental illness and even suicide.
Problematic gambling can be a sneaky form of addiction. It can strike at any age and it can have lasting repercussions for all involved – bettors, lottery ticket buyers, bingo enthusiasts or those just casually dabbling are vulnerable. Howard Shaffer from the Division on Addiction provides insight into why gambling may become addictive behavior. Watch as Howard provides more details.
Finding support for gambling problems can be challenging. Formal treatment options have been reduced due to stigmatisation and some governments’ preference for so-called responsible gambling interventions that effectively blame those suffering.
Studies have demonstrated the impact of problematic gambling on the brain’s reward pathways. When people win, dopamine levels rise which compels them to keep gambling. While this response may be part of learning processes normally, for someone suffering from gambling disorders it becomes an ongoing cycle and they feel obliged to gamble even more frequently just so they can satisfy this dopamine craving.
Problematic gambling is a multifaceted issue that necessitates an integrated response in order to reduce its prevalence and harms associated with this form of entertainment. Changes in behavior associated with gambling can be addressed through several strategies, including altered advertising, banning promotions, central account registration that requires gamblers to set binding loss limits and restricting accessibility and availability (opening hours/density). Harm reduction efforts must include providing education and support services for people suffering from gambling disorders. Now is the time to act; an estimated 1.2% of the global population currently have some form of a gambling disorder, and its numbers appear to be rapidly growing. Gambling addiction can have serious long-term health effects and also contributes to poverty by diverting household spending away from essential goods and services.