Gambling is a type of game in which people stake something valuable on the outcome of an event that is not under their control. It can take place in casinos, racetracks, and even at home via online games like video poker, sports betting and slots. It’s an exciting activity that can also provide economic benefits for those who play it. However, it can also be very harmful and cause mental health issues.
When gambling becomes a problem, it is called Pathological Gambling (PG) and can be difficult to treat. PG is most often diagnosed in adolescence and young adulthood and tends to worsen over time. Males with PG are more likely to develop problems in strategic, face-to-face forms of gambling such as blackjack or poker, while females are more likely to have trouble with nonstrategic forms such as slot machines and bingo.
Several studies have identified impacts of gambling at the individual, interpersonal, and community/society levels. While monetary effects have been well documented, personal and interpersonal impacts that are nonmonetary in nature, including the impact on gamblers’ quality of life and their significant others, have had less emphasis in research.
Those who are in need of treatment for their gambling disorder may benefit from psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on unconscious processes that influence one’s behavior. In addition, group therapy is a useful tool to help patients build support networks and find motivation for change. Moreover, those who are struggling with their gambling addiction can join a peer support program such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.