Gambling is an activity where people risk something of value (money, goods or services) in the hope of winning more money or a prize. It is a form of entertainment that is widely legal and accessible in many countries. Despite its prevalence, gambling is a risky activity that can lead to serious harms, including financial ruin and addiction. Approximately 2.5 million adults in the United States (1%) meet the criteria for a gambling disorder, and many more individuals are at risk of developing one. Harmful gambling is associated with many negative impacts on the health and well-being of those affected, including conflicts in relationships, stress, anger, fear, shame, anxiety and depression.
It is important to note that there are different kinds of gambling, which include: private gambling (such as playing card games such as poker or blackjack with friends in a home setting), lottery and other state-regulated lotteries, social and recreational activities that involve betting (like football or horse racing), and other recreational activities such as online gaming or casino video games. In general, private gambling involves wagering a fixed amount of money and the main aim is to have fun and enjoy the company of others.
In contrast, state-regulated gambling is a significant source of revenue for both state and local governments. It is estimated that in fiscal year 2021, gambling contributed about $35 billion to state and local general revenues across the country. This figure represents less than 1% of state and local general taxes. In addition to generating government revenue, gambling can also have harmful health effects, such as increased risk of substance abuse and suicide.
A growing body of evidence supports the view that gambling is an addictive behaviour. As a result, it is important that healthcare professionals recognise the symptoms of gambling problems and seek help for those at risk. There is a growing role for the evaluation of gambling behaviors in primary care settings, particularly for those at higher risk.
The reasons why some individuals gamble may be complex and vary between individuals. Some are at greater risk of harmful gambling because they have mental health problems or a history of trauma. In these cases, the underlying issues need to be addressed before effective treatment can begin.
For other people, the desire to gamble often stems from unmet basic needs, such as a sense of belonging or control. In this case, the gambler is attempting to cope by using the excitement and dopamine produced by gambling as an alternative to dealing with their emotional struggles.
The best advice is to avoid high-risk situations. This means avoiding credit cards, taking out loans, carrying large amounts of cash and using gambling venues to socialise. It’s also a good idea to try and find other social or recreational activities that can replace the impulse to gamble. A support group can also be helpful, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a similar model to Alcoholics Anonymous and is free to join.