Gambling Addiction

Gambling involves putting something of value on a random event with the intention of winning something else of value. It requires three elements: consideration, risk and a prize. Most adults and adolescents engage in some form of gambling, and many do so without problems. However, a subset of people develop a problem known as gambling addiction. People who have a gambling disorder are at risk for significant social, personal and financial costs. They also experience a range of psychological symptoms and have poorer quality of life than those who do not gamble.

Gambling can have positive impacts, including economic benefits and contributions to public services. These benefits should be considered alongside the negative impacts of gambling on individuals and their significant others. It is important to examine these impacts on a person-centered scale, using health-related quality of life (HRQL) weights, known as disability weights. Using these weights allows us to discover hidden harms that are not easily quantified. In the past, most studies have examined only monetary costs and benefits, leaving out intangible or hidden costs that may not be easily quantified.

Research scientists, psychiatrists, other treatment care clinicians and public policy makers tend to frame issues about gambling differently depending on their disciplinary training, expertise and world views. This can make it difficult to reach consensus on the nomenclature used to describe specific behaviours and disorders. It is therefore important to understand the different perspectives that can influence how gambling is viewed and what constitutes a gambling problem.

A number of factors have been identified to contribute to the development of gambling disorder, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences and brain chemistry. Some researchers have suggested that certain genes are linked to an underactive reward system, making people more likely to be thrill-seeking and less able to control impulses. Other factors include a person’s environment, culture, and beliefs. For example, some cultures place a high value on gambling and consider it to be an acceptable activity. In addition, many people engage in gambling activities to alleviate boredom or stress, but there are healthier ways to relieve unpleasant emotions.

The mainstream Christian belief is that gambling is incompatible with Bible teachings on contentment and self-control. It is also wrong to exploit poor people by allowing them to gamble with money they need for bills and living expenses.

Changing one’s behavior is difficult, especially for someone with a long history of gambling. To help, it is important to seek support from friends and family members. If that is not possible, it is helpful to join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous or an Alcoholics Anonymous-style program. It is also useful to learn how to manage boredom and stress in healthier ways, such as by exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, taking up new hobbies, or practicing relaxation techniques. It is also helpful to learn how to deal with financial pressures. In some cases, it is necessary to change one’s job or lifestyle.