Gambling is an activity in which people bet on an event whose outcome is determined by a combination of skill and chance, for example, lottery, casino games, sports betting or online games. Gambling can also be an addiction. People who develop harmful gambling behaviour are often affected by the type of gambling they do, where they gamble and their social and economic environment.
In the US, four in five adults have gambled, many of them more than once. For some, this has resulted in serious problems affecting family and work. In addition, gambling can trigger or worsen mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The decision to classify pathological gambling (PG) as an addiction was based on research suggesting that people who have PG experience the same neurobiological effects of addictive substances. It also reflects the reality that many behavioural interventions are available to treat PG.
People may be drawn to gambling for various reasons – for social or financial reasons, or for entertainment purposes. For some people, gambling is a form of escape from stressful or painful situations. For others, it provides a sense of excitement or adrenaline. Regardless of why someone is gambling, they should know that it is not a guaranteed way to win money.
To prevent gambling becoming problematic, people should never bet more than they can afford to lose and should only play with money that is set aside for entertainment. People who are concerned about their gambling should always consider seeking help before the situation becomes out of control.