The term ‘gambling’ is a broad one that covers many different types of activities. Despite the differences, most gambling activity involves an exchange of real money for something with an outcome that is determined at least partly by chance. It’s the same type of activity that includes putting a bet on a horse race, buying a scratchcard, or playing a casino game like roulette or blackjack.
For people struggling with problem gambling, the pleasure they get from it can quickly turn into a serious addiction. When this happens, the person is no longer gambling as a form of entertainment or for fun. It becomes a way to win money or escape from boredom and stress. This means they often hide their activity from others, lie about how much they spend, or keep going despite mounting losses in the hope of winning back their lost funds.
While there are a number of factors that contribute to gambling problems, a key reason why some people become addicted is the brain’s learning mechanism hijacked by random rewards. When a gambler has a small win, their brain is rewarded with dopamine, encouraging them to repeat the behaviour and increase their chances of winning in the future. This is a normal part of the learning process – think about shooting baskets into a net – but when it’s used for gambling, the results can be devastating.
In addition, the compulsion to gamble can be driven by a variety of other factors, including an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity, the use of escape coping and stressful life experiences. This combination of factors creates a vicious circle where the gambler is hooked on gambling to find relief and excitement in the short term, but this only adds to their stresses and increases their risk of harm.
The good news is that there are ways to stop gambling and the first step is talking about it with someone you trust who won’t judge you, such as a family member or professional counsellor. It is also helpful to reduce financial risk by not using credit cards or taking out loans and avoiding gambling venues. You should also consider alternative recreational activities that don’t involve money and focus on socialising and reducing stress in your life.
It is important to remember that overcoming a gambling addiction is a long journey and some slips are to be expected, but it is possible to reclaim control over your life. You can find help and support today by speaking with a counsellor at Birches Health – you can even book an appointment in the comfort of your own home! Alternatively, you can visit a gambling recovery centre in your local area for more intensive and specialist treatment options. If you are in a crisis, call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 659 888. This service is free of charge and confidential, and is staffed by trained professionals who can provide support and advice.