Gambling involves a choice to risk something of value (either money or another item) on an event that is uncertain in outcome, for example, a football game or scratchcard. The choice is based on an estimation of the chances of winning, often called odds. People gamble for a variety of reasons, from social to financial. For example, they may play poker or blackjack with friends, place bets on horse races, or wager on TV shows or sports games. They might also bet on games with material that has a monetary value, like marbles or collectible game pieces in the case of Pogs and Magic: The Gathering.
While some people can easily walk away from a hand of cards or a spin on a slot machine, others are not able to do this and find themselves becoming addicted to gambling. Research has shown that when individuals engage in gambling they are stimulating the brain’s reward system in a similar way as alcohol or other drugs. However, the pleasure derived from gambling diminishes over time as the brain becomes accustomed to the activity and requires a higher level of participation to feel the same sensation.
This is because as an addictive behaviour, gambling changes the brain’s chemistry. The reward system becomes overstimulated and less of the prefrontal cortex is activated, making it harder to stop and think rationally. For those with serious gambling problems, treatment and recovery options include therapy, support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, and self-help programs for families, such as Gam-Anon. In some cases, medication may be used to treat co-occurring disorders and depression.
The first step in overcoming gambling addiction is to realise that you have a problem. It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction in yourself or a loved one, such as avoiding talking about the gambling, hiding cash or credit cards, lying about gambling activities, spending more and more time gambling and increasing bets in an attempt to win back lost money.
For some, gambling can become a way to avoid dealing with unpleasant emotions or situations such as boredom, stress, anxiety and depression. For others, it is a way to escape into an imaginary world and be surrounded by different people, sights and sounds. The media often reinforces these thoughts by portraying gambling as sexy, glamorous and fashionable.
There are many other ways to relieve unpleasant feelings without resorting to gambling, such as exercising, eating well, socialising with friends who don’t gamble and relaxing with hobbies such as knitting or gardening. It is also important to learn how to budget and spend your money wisely, and to make sure you have enough income to cover your essential bills and expenses. You should also be aware of the risks involved in gambling and avoid making risky decisions. This means not betting more than you can afford to lose, limiting the amount of time you spend gambling and staying away from online gaming.