Gambling is an activity in which individuals place something of value on an uncertain outcome. People gamble in a variety of ways, including buying lottery tickets, playing poker or blackjack, betting on sports events, or using the Internet to place bets on horse races. Most people engage in gambling as a recreational activity, but some become so involved that their behavior has negative personal and social consequences. This type of behavior is called problem gambling.
People with gambling problems are at increased risk of suicide, a serious mental health condition that affects all age groups and can cause great distress to family members and friends. A person with a gambling disorder may feel overwhelmed by feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, depression and helplessness and is often unable to control his or her urges to gamble.
Problem gambling is characterized by a recurrent pattern of excessive and uncontrollable gambling, which results in negative personal, familial, occupational or financial consequences. Typical symptoms include: (1) lying to family members, therapists or employers about the extent of one’s involvement in gambling; (2) losing more than one can afford to lose; (3) continually returning to gamble in an attempt to recover past losses (known as “chasing”); (4) spending a large proportion of income on gambling; and (5) attempting to use illegal activities, such as theft, embezzlement or forgery, to finance one’s gambling.
Although some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behavior and impulsivity, the causes of gambling problems are complex. Research suggests that people with gambling disorders have difficulty processing reward information, controlling impulses and weighing risks. They also have difficulties regulating their emotions and making rational decisions. In addition, some individuals with gambling disorders may be delusional or have other psychological conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Those with gambling disorder are also at a higher risk for gambling-related harms, such as substance use and legal problems. Gambling disorder is associated with a high risk of suicide, particularly among young men. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of death for young men in the United States. A significant percentage of people who commit suicide are problem gamblers.
While there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for gambling disorders, it is important to seek professional help when it is needed. A number of different types of gambling therapy are available, including individual and group counseling, education and family-based approaches. Some of these treatments may be offered through government-funded programs or private clinics.
In order to understand and combat the effects of gambling, it is important to have a clear definition of what constitutes problem gambling. This definition is a matter of debate among researchers, psychiatrists and other treatment care professionals. It is also important to recognize that people from diverse cultures have varying values and beliefs about gambling, which can influence how they perceive the disorder. This diversity can make it difficult to develop a common nomenclature for gambling disorders. Nevertheless, it is necessary to have a common nomenclature in order to conduct research, identify and treat the disorder, and advocate for changes in public policy.