Gambling is betting or staking something of value on an activity with a random or uncertain outcome, such as a game or a contest. It also includes activities where skill is involved, such as playing cards or horse racing. Although most people participate in gambling as an enjoyable social activity, a small percentage become excessively involved and experience adverse personal, family, or financial consequences. These individuals are classified as having a gambling disorder, which is reflected in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (called DSM).
Gambling has been around since at least ancient times. Early European settlers brought cards, dice, and other gambling paraphernalia to the Americas, where it quickly became a popular activity among Native American tribes. It is now a major international commercial and recreational activity. The total amount of money legally wagered worldwide is estimated at about $10 trillion annually. Most of this is placed in casinos and other gambling establishments concentrated in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and elsewhere. The remaining gambling is done through lottery systems, sports betting, online gaming, and video games that incorporate gambling elements for adults and children.
Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of gambling disorder is important because it can help guide treatment interventions. Unlike some other addictions, such as substance abuse and eating disorders, it is relatively easy to identify a gambling problem in others. However, the prevalence of gambling disorder is not well established and differs widely between individuals and within groups.
The development of a gambling disorder may be related to several factors. Some people may be predisposed to the thrill of risk-taking because of a genetic tendency to seek rewards or because of biological differences in brain regions that control reward and impulse responses. Others may be influenced by the environment, such as a culture that puts an inordinate emphasis on winning and losing.
Regardless of the reason, anyone who develops a gambling problem needs to know what resources are available for help. Having this information will help a loved one realize that he or she has a problem and seek appropriate treatment.
If a loved one is struggling with gambling addiction, you can help by talking to him or her about his or her experiences. You can also remind him or her of the effective treatments that are available, and encourage him or her to check out local resources. In addition, you can learn more about how gambling affects the brain to better understand what your loved one is experiencing. This knowledge can help you avoid becoming frustrated or angry with your loved one for having a gambling problem.
