Gambling involves risking something of value on an activity that is largely determined by chance in the hope of realizing a profit. Whether it’s betting on the next big sports team or buying a lottery ticket, gambling evokes a gamut of human emotions and behaviors, from excitement and anticipation to regret and guilt. While the majority of adults and adolescents gamble without problems, a subset of people develop gambling disorder, which is characterized by an inability to control their gambling behavior and adverse consequences.
The term “gambling disorder” is often used interchangeably with substance use disorders (SUDs), but there are important differences between PG and SUDs. In particular, PG is distinguished by the occurrence of specific symptoms that are unique to gambling. These include: a. Having preoccupation with gambling and a presumption that others are engaging in the same behavior; b. Spending more time and money on gambling than other activities; c. Using illegal methods to fund gambling, including forgery, fraud, and embezzlement; d. Feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or depression; e. Having an inability to stop gambling and lying to family members, friends, or therapists about the extent of involvement; and f. Continuing to gamble despite mounting losses in an attempt to recoup past losses (“chasing”). Despite the differences between PG and SUDs, there is no doubt that gambling can have significant negative impacts on mental health and well-being. Moreover, gambling can have both direct and indirect costs to society. The harms of gambling have been cited by scholars as contributing to a wide range of social issues, including economic disparities, racial and ethnic inequalities, crime and corruption, and positive and negative social and environmental consequences.
A major problem with gambling is that it’s addictive. While many people enjoy the excitement of a night in the casino or a game of poker, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending and end up losing more than you win. In order to reduce the risks of gambling addiction, it’s important to set a budget for yourself and only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. Moreover, only play games that you can understand the odds of winning and never place a bet if you’re not sure what the odds are.
It’s also helpful to remember that gambling isn’t the only way to have fun, and there are many other ways to get that same feeling of being on a high, like a concert or dinner with a friend. The key to staying safe is knowing when you’ve had enough and walking away. And if you do happen to win, be sure to tip your dealers and cocktail waitresses! They work hard to give you the best experience.
