Gambling involves risking something of value (money or other possessions) on an event whose outcome is determined at least in part by chance and for which the gambler hopes to win. The word “gambling” also refers to activities that have a high degree of skill, such as playing card games and placing bets on sporting events or horse races, even though they are not technically gambling (Oxford English Dictionary, second edition, 1989).
Although people may engage in many types of gambling activity, most gambling involves wagering money. In general, the higher the stakes, the greater the potential for a large loss. While there is always a small chance of winning, the overwhelming majority of gamblers will lose.
Throughout history, gambling has been an accepted social activity. Today, it is a major international business, with global legal wagering on sports events, lottery games, horse racing, and other forms of gambling reaching $10 trillion in annual turnover worldwide. The growth of internet-based gambling has enabled operators to circumvent laws that prohibit, constrain, or aggressively tax the activities.
There is considerable research indicating that the behavior of gambling is associated with a variety of mental health problems, including impulsiveness, sensation-and novelty-seeking, and arousal. These factors, which are related to behavioral disinhibition and the tendency to take risks, may contribute to a person’s vulnerability to developing pathological gambling disorder.
However, the evidence supporting the diagnosis of problem gambling is inconsistent and the definition of problem gambling is contested. While most researchers agree that the condition is characterized by damage or disruption, and a loss of control, there are differences in the conceptualization and definition of Level 2 (pathological gambling), which is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM).
The DSM criteria for pathological gambling include tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, preoccupation with gambling, and an inability to control gambling behaviors. There is disagreement, however, as to whether a person must meet 10 or more of these criteria for a diagnosis to be made.
A person with a gambling problem will often deny that he or she has a problem and may try to hide the amount of time and money spent on gambling. This can be a serious problem for the individual and his or her family, because if the underlying issue is not addressed, the harm will continue to grow.
If you are concerned that someone you know has a gambling problem, seek help immediately. There are a number of organisations that offer support, assistance and counselling for those who experience harm from gambling. You can contact them directly or through a support service for gambling-related harm. For further information on the harm caused by gambling, watch this video by Brain Connections. The video explores how gambling can spiral from fun to harmful behaviour. The video also highlights some of the misconceptions about gambling.
