Gambling is a wager of money or something else of value on an event with an unknown outcome. Whether they’re betting on the outcome of a sports game, the outcome of a lottery drawing or the outcome of a casino game, people who gamble are making decisions about things they don’t fully understand and may be at high risk for developing a gambling disorder, according to research. Most adults and adolescents engage in some type of gambling, but a small subset of them develops problem gambling behavior, defined as a pattern of gambling that causes distress or impairment. A new study explains why some people develop this disorder and what can be done to help them.
While some people gamble for fun, others do it for money or as a way to relieve boredom, anxiety or stress. For many people, the sexy, glamorous and fast-paced environment of casinos, racetracks and other gambling venues is a pleasant escape from the daily grind and provides them with a sense of excitement and thrill. Some people are also attracted to the rush of winning and often fantasize about how they would spend their windfall.
The authors of the new study, which appears in the journal Addiction, explain that while there are some differences between how people use gambling as a social, emotional and financial activity, the core phenomenology is the same. Even though gamblers are aware that the house always wins, their cognition is distorted and they overestimate the likelihood of winning. They also tend to engage in a variety of other unhealthy thinking patterns, including the illusion of control and the gambler’s fallacy, which can make it hard for them to stop.
In addition, the media portrays gambling as being a fun and lucrative activity, and many individuals see it as a social norm. As a result, some young children and teens are exposed to gambling at an early age. The study’s author, Dr. Sean Sullivan, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Connecticut, says this can affect a child’s cognitive development and increase their chances of becoming addicted to gambling as adults.
Fortunately, it’s possible to stop problem gambling by identifying and eliminating triggers. For example, if you’re tempted to go to a casino, start by creating a budget and setting time limits for yourself. You can also take steps to protect your money by closing online gambling accounts, limiting the amount of cash you carry with you and leaving your credit cards at home. In addition, try to find healthier ways to relieve unpleasant emotions and boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, rekindling an old hobby or practicing mindfulness techniques. You can also find support in a gambling recovery group, where you can share your struggles and challenges in a nonjudgmental setting. It’s also a good idea to seek professional treatment if you struggle with a gambling disorder. Treatment options include therapy, a self-help program and medication.
