Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event with a random outcome, where instances of skill are discounted. It has a long history and is widely practiced, both legally and illegally, with its proponents touting it as an economic engine that creates jobs and brings in tax revenues while the anti-gambling movement views it as a “painless tax” that promotes fantasy, riches, and moments of grandeur for some and causes personal, social and financial ruin for others.
While many people gamble for enjoyment, a significant minority become seriously involved and continue to gamble despite substantial negative personal, family, and financial effects. Their behavior falls within the clinical definition of pathological gambling as described in various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association. This phenomenon is known as disordered gambling, and its prevalence has increased over the past two decades.
The first evidence of gambling dates back to ancient times, when the Greeks used knucklebones—known as astragals—to determine a winner in athletic competitions and for other purposes. These bones, which are a precursor to dice and dominoes, were also used for religious and political rituals. Gambling has evolved significantly over the centuries, influenced by cultural norms and laws, and fueled by a variety of myths.
Although it is common to think of gambling as a game of chance, research has shown that a substantial amount of the activity is controlled by cognitive and emotional processes, such as reward and punishment processing. This is why it is important to understand the complex factors that can influence gambling.
Understanding how and why gambling becomes problematic can help to reduce risk, improve treatment outcomes, and inform public policy. Fortunately, help is available.
A person who experiences a gambling problem can benefit from the support of friends and family, and there are many ways to find peer support and learn healthier coping strategies. For example, some research suggests that exercise may be helpful in managing symptoms of gambling disorders, and there are numerous non-gambling-related activities to help someone unwind or socialize, such as taking up a new hobby, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or volunteering for a charity.
Another way to manage gambling problems is to reduce the temptation by removing access to casinos and TABs from your home or workplace, and avoiding them when possible. It’s also a good idea to talk about your gambling with somebody you trust, such as a friend or counsellor, and set goals for yourself that include cutting down or giving up gambling altogether. This can help you stay on track and avoid a relapse.