Gambling involves risking money or something else of value on an event with a result that is determined, at least in part, by chance. It includes betting on sports events, games of chance such as scratchcards or fruit machines, and even lotteries.
For some people, gambling is an enjoyable pastime, but for others it can cause problems with health, relationships and work. Problem gambling can lead to debt, loss of employment, serious health issues and even suicide. It can also harm families, friends and the wider community. Over half of the UK population takes part in some form of gambling activity, but this can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. It can also lead to social isolation and can put individuals at risk of homelessness. It can also affect children, young people and the elderly.
It is estimated that around one in four people who gamble have a gambling disorder, which is also known as problem gambling or pathological gambling. It is a complex and often hidden issue, with a variety of factors that can make someone more likely to develop a gambling disorder. These include genetics, environment and psychological factors.
The way that gambling is regulated varies across the world. In some countries, there are strict laws against gambling and in other places the law is lax. In the United States, for example, gambling was banned in many places until the early 20th century. Then there was a shift in attitudes towards gambling and a relaxation of the laws.
Research has shown that the brain is triggered to react to gambling in a similar way as it is triggered by drugs and alcohol. It causes a release of dopamine, the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter, and this is why people feel excited when they win. But they can also feel excited when they lose. This is why it’s so important to have an awareness of the risks and take steps to protect yourself, your family and friends.
Despite the fact that gambling is legal in most countries, there are still risks associated with it. There is a need for stronger regulation of gambling products and clear warning messages, which must avoid so-called dark nudges that encourage continued use of harmful products. This is particularly important for electronic gambling machines (EGMs) that can mislead consumers through design features and behavioural economics.
It’s also vital to recognise the signs of harmful gambling and know where to get help. In the past, people who experienced harm from gambling were viewed as gamblers with problems, but now we think of them as having psychological problems. This change has been reflected, and stimulated, by the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association (called DSM). These changes are also influenced by new understandings of the role of genes in mental disorders.