Gambling is an activity that involves risking something of value (money, material goods, or even one’s own reputation) on an uncertain outcome, typically determined at least partly by chance. This element of uncertainty makes gambling a risky activity, and it is often illegal or at least frowned upon by society. Although some people can gamble responsibly, others may have a serious problem with the activity that results in negative consequences. The term “problem gambling” describes these individuals, and it is estimated that 2-4 million American adults meet this criteria.
Many different types of gambling exist, from lotteries to casino games and sports betting. It is estimated that around $10 trillion is wagered each year on legal gambling activities throughout the world, with much more done through illicit means.
There are various ways to define what is considered gambling, and this can influence a person’s view of whether or not their behaviour is problematic. Some researchers believe that certain activities, such as betting on football matches or buying scratchcards, do not qualify as gambling because they are not based on a choice and don’t involve a decision. However, many people do consider these activities to be forms of gambling because they involve risking money or other assets with the hope of a gain.
The risk involved in gambling is that, if the bet is made successfully, one will not only lose money but also suffer psychological distress. In addition, there is the potential for a significant amount of time to be wasted in pursuit of gambling activities. This has led to concerns about the rise of problem gambling, which is most common among young people and boys. These concerns are borne out by the fact that people in their early 20s are now the fastest growing group of gambling participants, and are more likely to be engaging in online and video game-based gambling than those aged 50 or over (Understanding the Odds, McCreary Centre Society, 2021).
It is important for researchers, psychiatrists, other treatment care clinicians, and public policy makers to have agreed nomenclature for describing gambling and its problems. Without this, there is a risk that different groups will use the same words to mean different things, and will therefore have difficulty communicating with each other.
A lack of clear definitions for gambling can lead to misguided laws and regulations that may negatively impact people’s lives. For example, some people may hide their gambling activities and lie about how much they are spending, as the stigma attached to the activity can be debilitating. This can also make it difficult to get help, as families of gamblers can be reluctant to admit there is a problem.
There are several ways to seek help for a gambling problem, including self-help, peer support programs, family therapy, and professional counselling. If you feel that your gambling is causing harm, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible to minimise the damage. It is also helpful to learn how to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways, such as exercising, socializing with friends who don’t gamble, and taking up new hobbies.