Gambling involves wagering something of value on a chance event, with the intention of winning money or other goods. It can be a form of entertainment for some people and a serious addiction for others, with the potential to cause financial, psychological and social problems.
People can gamble in a variety of ways, including by playing casino games, sports betting and lottery games. In addition, gambling can take place online. Many people who gamble do not realise that they have a problem, and are unable to control their spending or stop gambling altogether. This can lead to serious debt and even suicide. People who are prone to gambling may also experience withdrawal symptoms and have a high risk of developing an underlying mood disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
The decision by psychiatrists to recognise pathological gambling as an addictive disorder is the latest development in the field of addiction science, and it reflects a growing understanding of how the brain responds to chemical stimulation. It is believed that a combination of environmental and biological factors, including genetic predispositions, can lead to excessive gambling.
For someone with a pathological gambling problem, the reward centre of their brain becomes sensitised to the release of the chemical dopamine when they win. As the reward centres become sensitised, the individual’s brain sends a signal to them that they should continue gambling in order to receive the desired pleasure. This is known as reinforcement learning. The problem with this is that the person is not able to stop when they have won, and as their tolerance increases, they need to gamble more and more in order to receive the dopamine boost.
When a person is gambling, they will typically choose what they want to bet on – this could be a football team to win a game or buying a scratchcard. This selection is matched to ‘odds’, which determine how much they can expect to win if they make the right choice. The odds are set by the gambling company, and they can be quite misleading for someone who isn’t aware of how they work.
A person can also lose more than they win, which can increase the emotional impact of losses and decrease the pleasure from wins. This is why gamblers are often more sensitive to losses than gains of the same amount, and can end up in a vicious cycle of losing and winning.
It is possible to break free from a gambling addiction, but it takes time and effort. People can try to tackle the problem by talking to a friend or family member, attending a support group for gamblers, or seeking professional help. They can also learn to manage their moods and relieve boredom in healthier ways, such as exercising, socialising with friends who don’t gamble, or trying out new hobbies. It is also important to seek treatment for any underlying mood disorders, as these can be made worse by compulsive gambling.