Gambling involves wagering something of value on an event that is determined at least partly by chance. It can be conducted with real money or goods, such as marbles, or virtual money or items, such as in video games. Some forms of gambling may be considered a crime, such as illegal lottery or extortion. While most people engage in some form of gambling, a significant subset goes on to develop gambling disorder. This is a serious problem that can cause significant distress and impairment, but which is often overlooked or dismissed.
A number of factors can lead to gambling problems, including mood disorders such as depression and stress. Unpredictable losses can trigger a sense of hopelessness, which can make the gambler feel they are “going broke.” Other factors include poor money management skills, impulsiveness and difficulty controlling emotions.
People who are struggling with gambling problems often hide their problem or lie about how much they gamble. This can be because they are embarrassed or think others won’t understand that their behaviour is causing harm. They might also try to win back their losses by increasing their bets or chasing their losses. Some gamblers even break the law to fund their addiction, such as by stealing or forgery.
The science behind why some people gamble has changed over time, with understanding of pathological gambling now resembling the way we understand alcoholism. This has led to the emergence of new treatment approaches, and some states have even legalised sports betting.
Unlike some other types of addiction, it is possible to recover from a gambling problem. However, it is important to seek help if you are displaying any of the warning signs. These can include hiding money, lying to friends and family, hiding evidence of gambling, spending more and more time gambling and avoiding activities that could trigger a gambling episode.
While some people can recover from a gambling disorder, it’s still a common problem. Research suggests that young people are particularly vulnerable to developing gambling problems. This is because their brains haven’t fully matured by the age of 25, and they are more likely to take risks and develop bad habits.
Young people are also more likely to be exposed to gambling-like activities, such as online casino gaming and loot boxes in video games. In fact, a recent study watched online videos of players opening loot boxes in 22 popular games (including Madden NFL 18, Assassin’s Creed Origins, and FIFA 18) and found that more than half of them met the definition of gambling (Nature Human Behaviour, Vol. 2, 2018). This is because these games involve an exchange of virtual goods with a value that is determined by luck. This is the same type of gambling that was prohibited by law in many jurisdictions until recently. Now, online casinos and other websites have sprung up to offer these services. In addition, many states are considering legalising sports betting. The internet and mobile phones are making it easier than ever for gambling to reach more people and places.
