Gambling is an activity in which you stake something valuable (money, objects or personal property) for the chance to win a prize. It can be a fun pastime for some, but for others it can become an addiction that causes harm to their health, family, relationships and work performance. Problem gambling has also been linked to suicide, crime and homelessness.
Unlike other forms of entertainment, gambling is a risky activity because you can lose your money. People gamble in casinos, horse racetracks, lotteries, poker tournaments, sports betting, scratch tickets and even DIY investing. While most people who engage in gambling do so without any problems, a significant subset of them develop gambling disorder, which is defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a recurrent pattern of problematic gambling that results in substantial distress or impairment.
Research in this area is ongoing and varied. Research scientists, psychiatrists, other treatment clinicians and public policy makers tend to frame issues related to gambling differently, reflecting their disciplinary training and world views. This has hampered efforts to understand the complex factors that contribute to gambling disorders.
A common perspective is that gambling is a behavioral problem, much like drinking or drugs. This view has led to a focus on individual and community prevention strategies, including education and treatment programs. It has also influenced the way we think about the causes of gambling disorders and how they relate to the development of an individual’s problem-solving abilities.
While it is true that many of the underlying causes of gambling disorder involve impulsiveness, it is important to consider other dimensions of impulse control as well. For example, sensation- and novelty-seeking and a desire for a variety of stimuli are associated with gambling behavior. Other dimensions of impulse control that may be relevant to gambling include boredom susceptibility, use of escape coping and negative emotions.
The reward system in the brain is triggered when you win, and it releases dopamine to reinforce your actions. This is a good thing when you’re playing a game of skill, such as a sport or casino game. It can help you improve your skills and become a better player.
But problem gambling isn’t about the rewards or the dopamine. It’s about the relief from unpleasant feelings and a false sense of control. It’s about finding another way to soothe yourself after a stressful day at work, or after an argument with your spouse. It’s about socialization and escaping from reality. There are healthier ways to do all of these things. Practicing relaxation techniques, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and exploring new hobbies are all great alternatives to gambling. The key is to find something that works for you, and stick with it.