Gambling is about risking money or something else of value on an event involving chance – such as a football match, scratchcards or betting with friends. If you win, you’ll get money or other prizes. But if you lose, you’ll lose the money you gambled. There are a lot of ways to gamble – from betting on the outcome of a horse race or lottery to betting online, in casinos and even through video games.
Some forms of gambling are more likely to lead to harm than others. For example, those who play online casino games and/or open loot boxes (virtual items that can be opened in video game titles such as Madden NFL or Assassin’s Creed Origins) are more at risk for developing a gambling disorder. People who are in low incomes and those who start gambling young are also more susceptible to developing a problem.
It is possible to make money from gambling, but it’s important to know your limits and be aware of the risks involved. Gambling can cause problems with your health, relationships and work performance, and it can leave you in debt or homeless. There are a number of things you can do to help protect yourself from gambling problems, including:
A person’s attitude towards gambling will influence how they behave. For example, someone who views gambling as fun and exciting may be more likely to take risks and gamble frequently, while someone who has negative associations with gambling may avoid it or try to stop.
The behavioural theories of sensation-seeking and Cloninger’s theory of reward motivation are relevant to gambling. These theories suggest that people gamble to experience states of high arousal and rewards, particularly in the absence of clear and measurable consequences. This reinforces the behaviour, which can then become addictive. In addition, some theorists have pointed out that near-misses or losses that appear to be wins can also encourage gambling, if they are followed by a period of anticipation and excitement.
While most people who gamble do so responsibly, some people develop a gambling problem. This can have serious impacts on their health, family and social life, and can be costly for them and their community. People with gambling problems can experience stress, anxiety, financial difficulties, relationship issues and poor performance at work or studies. They can also feel depressed and guilty about their gambling. Some people with a gambling problem even contemplate or attempt suicide.
The WHO defines pathological gambling as “gambling behaviour that causes distress or a negative impact on the gambler and/or their family and community.” The WHO has developed 10 criteria to identify pathological gambling. The criteria include: damage or disruption, loss of control and dependence, and preoccupation with gambling. These criteria are based on clinical observations, research and feedback from people affected by gambling disorders. They are not intended to replace the diagnostic and assessment procedures of other organisations. However, the WHO hopes that they will assist with the development of guidelines for treatment and intervention in different jurisdictions.