Gambling is an activity that involves the exchange of money or something of value for an uncertain outcome, which is determined at least in part by chance. It can be a fun way to socialise with friends, and many people gamble as a form of recreation. But gambling can also become a problem, and it’s important to recognise the signs of a gambling addiction in order to seek help.
Whether they be a casino, TAB or even a lottery, all gambling establishments are businesses with a responsibility to maximise profits for their shareholders. This means they need to attract the maximum number of customers in order to increase their chances of winning. They often employ sophisticated marketing strategies, including promoting attractive bonuses and promotions, to lure people in. They may even offer free drinks, food or entertainment to draw in crowds. This can be particularly problematic for those with gambling problems, who may find themselves drawn back to the gambling environment again and again.
While most people who gamble do so without a problem, some do develop pathological gambling (PG), a serious form of addiction. PG can lead to severe financial distress and can cause emotional distress, family conflict and even legal problems. Research has shown that pathological gamblers are hardwired to behave irrationally and can’t control their gambling behaviour, which leads them down a slippery slope into financial disaster. They have a tendency to have mixed motives for gambling, and the dark side of their motivations usually overshadow the enjoyment they get from it.
It’s been estimated that up to 5% of adolescents and young adults who gamble develop a gambling disorder. Young men are particularly vulnerable, and a higher percentage of them develop a gambling disorder than women. They are more likely to be influenced by peer pressure, and they tend to place more value on instant rewards than their female counterparts.
People who develop a gambling addiction often feel a need to be secretive about their behaviour. They may lie about their spending to their friends and colleagues, or they might even steal money from their families in order to gamble. They might also try to compensate for their losses by putting money into other activities, such as buying new clothes or attending social events. This can make it difficult to break the habit, and a person with an addictive gambling disorder may continue to gamble even when they have lost all their money.
People who have an addiction to gambling can take steps to overcome it, but they need to be willing to put in the work. This may involve talking to a support network, such as friends or family, or enrolling in a treatment program, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model of recovery used by Alcoholics Anonymous. They should also reduce the financial risks of gambling, by keeping their credit cards and cash under control. They should also find other ways to socialise and entertain themselves, such as joining a club or book group, taking up a hobby or volunteering for a charity.