Gambling is an activity that involves the risk of losing money or possessions. Most people participate in gambling as a form of entertainment, but some become addicted and it can have serious consequences on their lives. Many people are haunted by bill collectors, unable to sleep, and hide rent or mortgage money from their family members in order to fund their addiction. A few individuals even kill themselves because of their addiction to gambling. Others lose their jobs, family, friendships and educational or career opportunities. In addition, some people may engage in illegal acts to finance their gambling, such as embezzlement, forgery, and theft.
When a person gambles, they are trying to predict the outcome of an event. The first step is to choose what they want to bet on – this could be a football team winning a game or a scratchcard. Then they match this choice to ‘odds’ which are the chances of them winning – for example, 5/1 or 2/1. This information is then used to calculate the amount they would receive if they won.
Some gamblers are addicted to the ‘rush’ of the win. When they gamble, the brain releases a dopamine response similar to that produced by ingesting drugs such as cocaine. This rush can be repeated and it is the reason why gambling can become addictive. It is also why a lot of gamblers are so easily manipulated by the advertising campaigns run by casinos and bookmakers.
The main motivation for many gamblers is to make money, however, some are driven by a desire to meet other needs such as the need for thrills or to escape problems. Problem gambling is a form of escapism and it can lead to other dangerous behaviours such as drug abuse, robbery and prostitution.
Other motivations include social interaction at gambling venues and the opportunity to win status or recognition for their skill. Casinos in particular promote this sense of achievement by rewarding high rollers with free rooms and other gifts.
A small group of people participate in gambling as a way of making a living – this is known as career gambling. It is a very risky form of gambling and those who become addicted to it can suffer significant losses that affect their physical, emotional and financial wellbeing.
Those who participate in this type of gambling usually have a close relationship with the activity and consider it part of their culture, which can make it difficult to recognize when it is becoming a problem. This can be a challenge for families and friends who are concerned about the gambler’s behaviour. If you are worried about the gambling habits of a loved one, speak to them openly and listen to their reasons for continuing to gamble. If necessary, seek professional advice from a trained counsellor. Strengthen your support network and consider joining a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous which is based on the model of Alcoholics Anonymous. Reduce the financial risk factors by not using credit cards and avoiding carrying large amounts of cash. Find alternative recreational activities that do not involve gambling such as joining a sports club, reading group or volunteering in your community.