Gambling is a risky activity that involves putting something of value on an event whose outcome is determined at least in part by chance, with the hope of winning a prize. It does not include bona fide business transactions valid under the laws of contract, such as life, health, or accident insurance contracts and investments, nor does it include games of skill where the bettor uses a skill to reduce risk (such as chess).
Gambling can take place in a wide variety of locations and situations. Many people think of casinos, racetracks, and other gambling establishments when they hear the word “gambling,” but it can also occur in places like gas stations, church halls, at sporting events, or even on the Internet. Gambling is a complex activity that encompasses a broad range of behaviors, from those that are arguably harmless to those that would meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for pathological gambling disorder.
Some types of gambling involve a high degree of skill, such as esports betting and horse racing. Others are more purely random, such as a coin toss or dice roll. While some people enjoy these activities for entertainment, others have problems with them that lead to significant financial, emotional, and legal consequences. Compulsive gambling may involve lying to family members, therapists, or employers to conceal the extent of involvement; spending time away from work or social activities to gamble; and chasing losses by returning another day in an attempt to win back what was lost. It can also result in serious financial losses, including those that jeopardize a person’s home, employment, or education.
Compulsive gambling is more common among younger and middle-aged people, although it can affect all age groups. Men are more likely to develop a gambling problem than women. People who have a sex history of abuse or childhood trauma are at greater risk of developing compulsive gambling.
A person can develop a gambling problem for a variety of reasons, including coping with stress or other emotional difficulties. It is important to identify and address these underlying issues before attempting to treat the gambling behavior.
Often, people who develop a problem with gambling begin playing in their youth or teenage years. It is easier to become addicted to gambling during this period because of the heightened levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel excited.
As adults, our brains stop producing dopamine, which makes it more difficult to recognize when we are overindulging in gambling. In addition, our ability to assess probabilities and make sound decisions based on available information declines with age. The combination of these factors can create a vicious cycle in which an individual spends more and more money on gambling, while at the same time withdrawing from other hobbies or interests. This can lead to a sense of purposelessness and feelings of helplessness, and ultimately, the development of a gambling problem. Fortunately, it is possible to break this cycle.