Gambling involves risking something of value (money, property or even one’s life) on an event with a potential for winning more. The events can be games of chance or skill, but they must always involve some level of risk and a prize. Whether you bet on your favourite team to win the football match, try your luck at a casino slot machine or place a bet on the next powerball lottery draw, gambling can have harmful effects. It can damage your health, spoil relationships and cause financial ruin. For many people, the key to overcoming gambling problems is realizing that they have a problem and seeking help.
Despite the fact that most adults and adolescents have placed some sort of bet, only a small percentage go on to develop pathological gambling. This is likely due to a variety of factors, including a lack of objective criteria for the disorder, and different paradigms or world views from which people view gambling and its adverse consequences. For example, research scientists, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians frame the issue differently according to their disciplinary training, experience and special interests.
In addition, the perception of the odds of an event varies widely, making it difficult to determine what constitutes “gambling.” In some cases, even activities that are clearly gambling may not be identified because gamblers do not recognize them as such and use other criteria to distinguish them from non-gambling activities. For example, insurance is a form of risk transfer that is often classified as gambling because insurers use actuarial methods to calculate premiums based on expected loss over time. The same is true for sports betting, which is also often viewed as gambling because it involves putting money on an outcome that cannot be directly controlled or predicted by the player or players.
For some people, gambling is a way to relieve unpleasant feelings and unwind. However, there are other healthier ways to do so, such as exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, and practicing relaxation techniques. Moreover, for those who are addicted to gambling, it’s important to learn healthier ways of dealing with boredom and isolation.
Taking control of your finances and limiting access to credit cards, online betting accounts, and other sources of gambling is the first step in breaking the habit. For those who are suffering from gambling addiction, there are effective treatments available. If you know someone who is struggling, suggest they take BetterHelp’s free assessment and be matched with a licensed therapist. It’s free, confidential and just a click away. The road to recovery from gambling disorders is tough, but it’s possible with the right support. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken the first step to get help and rebuild their lives. Read some of their stories here.