Gambling involves a person placing something of value on an event with the hope of winning something else of value, and it is considered to be a type of risky investment. While most people engage in gambling as a form of entertainment, a small group of individuals become too serious about it to the point that they can no longer control their gambling habits, and suffer from negative personal, social, family, and financial impacts as a result.
In the past, researchers have used simulated gambling activities to help evaluate the isolation and depressive effects of problem gamblers. For example, one study conducted at a nursing home involved residents participating in a simulated gambling activity for six hours each week. During this time, the experimenter attempted to minimize social interactions with each resident, and when they did interact, directed them back to the simulated gambling task. The study found that this isolated and depressive effect was more pronounced in men than women, and that it occurred even among those with less severe gambling problems.
As a result, the research concluded that more extensive and long term interventions are needed to improve treatment of pathological gambling. In particular, it is important to focus on identifying the specific mechanisms by which gambling affects the brain, as well as identify and implement evidence-based interventions that can mitigate these effects.
A major cause of problem gambling is the availability of high-quality gaming opportunities, particularly in the form of computer and mobile games that are designed to require a significant amount of time spent playing them. These games can be especially attractive to teenagers and young adults, as their brains are still developing, and they can be a way of escaping from the stresses of daily life.
Another cause of gambling problem is the prevalence of unrealistic expectations in relation to the outcome of a gamble. This can be due to the fact that the majority of gambling venues are not one-man shows – from dealers and odds compilers to marketing and public relations staff, they are businesses with a business plan based on offering a service to the general population, which is primarily entertainment. Often, this service is sold at a price.
Another potential reason for a gambling addiction is the release of dopamine in the brain during a win. Normally, dopamine is released when you perform a skillful action, such as shooting basketballs into a net, and it serves to reinforce that behavior so you can continue to perform it successfully. However, if you have a gambling addiction, this dopamine response is produced no matter the outcome of a gamble, which can make you more likely to keep on betting, even when you’re losing money. It can also make you feel rewarded for behaviors you shouldn’t be doing, such as trying to recover your losses. For this reason, it is important to set boundaries in managing your money, and review bank and credit card statements regularly. You can also seek out peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, and a therapist who is experienced in treating gambling disorders.
