The Dangers of Gambling
Whether it’s placing a bet on the horses, at a casino or online on the pokies, gambling involves wagering something of value (usually money) on an event that has at least some element of chance in it. The gambler hopes that he or she will win a prize. Many people are unaware of the fact that a lot of everyday activities can be considered as gambling, including playing bingo, buying lottery or scratch tickets, and betting on sports events or office pools. Gambling can be fun and rewarding when played responsibly, but if you’re not careful it can also be dangerous.
Many studies show that people can experience some negative consequences as a result of their gambling. These impacts can occur at a personal, interpersonal and community/society level. They can include emotional, psychological, financial, health and well-being issues. Negative effects can affect family members and friends who have to pay for the gambler’s excessive gambling, as well as strained or broken relationships. They can also involve debt and bankruptcy.
The good news is that the vast majority of gamblers don’t suffer from a problem and can enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment. Moreover, gambling is an important source of revenue for governments and can help stimulate local economies.
For some, the motivation for gambling is influenced by social interactions because gambling venues offer social settings to meet people. This is especially true for younger people. Alternatively, some people are mainly motivated by the dream of winning a fortune. This can be especially common among problem gamblers, who are often driven by their need to escape from reality and the associated problems they face.
Longitudinal studies are a powerful tool in determining the causes of gambling behaviour and can improve policy decisions. However, they are difficult to conduct because of the time commitment involved and the difficulties in retaining research teams over a long period of time. Moreover, there are practical barriers to longitudinal research, such as the inability to control for other factors that could impact the gambling behaviour of individuals.
Gambling is a highly stimulating activity and is associated with feelings of happiness. It has been shown that the brain releases feel-good chemicals, such as dopamine and adrenaline, when a person wins bets. This is a key reason why people are so drawn to gambling.
If you’re concerned that your gambling is out of control, it’s important to seek help. Talk to someone you trust who won’t judge you – this could be a friend, family member or professional counsellor. Reduce risk factors by avoiding credit cards and carrying large amounts of cash, and avoid using gambling venues as a place to socialise. If you find it hard to stop gambling, try setting short- and long-term goals to keep you on track. And remember, if you do relapse, it’s not a failure – many others have overcome their addictions. If you need additional support, search for a counsellor on the world’s largest therapy platform and get matched in less than 24 hours.