Gambling involves betting something of value on an uncertain outcome of a game, contest, or other event with awareness of the risk that you might lose it. It may take many forms, from lottery tickets and scratch-offs to sophisticated casino gambling and sports wagering. Whether legal or illegal, it is a dangerous and destructive behavior that can cause financial ruin and lead to blackmail and organized crime. It impoverishes families and contributes to domestic abuse; it can destroy careers and reputations, and it can be addictive.
Although some people develop problems with gambling, most do not. The concept of a gambling disorder is similar to the concept of alcoholism: it is not a single disease or illness, but a spectrum of varying severity, from mild difficulty to pathological addiction. In the past, when individuals experienced adverse consequences from gambling they were often referred to as “gambling maniacs.” Today, a person’s difficulties with gambling are more likely to be regarded as a psychological problem.
The risk of problem gambling increases as people spend more time on it and as they increase the amounts of money they bet. The risk also increases if people are exposed to media images of gamblers winning big. In addition, people who have family members with problems with gambling are more likely to have difficulty themselves.
People with gambling disorders are often unable to control their spending or to stop gambling, even when they experience financial or emotional problems. Their problems are influenced by a variety of factors, including their genetic makeup, their environment, and their personality. It is important to treat any family member who has a problem with gambling as seriously as you would a child with a serious medical condition.
While some people can overcome a gambling problem, most cannot do it alone. It is important to reach out for support, either from family or a peer group, and to set boundaries in managing money. This is particularly important if you have a spouse or partner who has gambling problems. It can be tempting to rationalize their requests for “just one more bet” but this is often a recipe for disaster.
Only gamble with disposable income and never use money that you need to pay bills or rent. It’s also a good idea to limit your playing time and only play with money you are prepared to lose. If you start to chase losses, it’s a sure sign that you are on the way to Bet Regret. The best way to prevent this is to be stricter with your money limits and not gamble when you are stressed or upset. It is much more difficult to make good decisions when you are emotionally vulnerable.