Gambling is any activity in which you risk something of value – money or your belongings – for the chance to win more. It can be as simple as placing a scratchcard in the hope of winning, or as complex as betting on a sporting event or fantasy league.
While some people gamble responsibly, many end up in debt or lose their homes and other possessions. It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of gambling problems, and seek help if you think you might have a problem.
Problem gambling can affect your mental health, too. It can make you feel low, lonely or anxious and can lead to depression or other mental health issues if left untreated. It can also have a negative impact on your relationships with family and friends if you spend too much time gambling, especially if you start lying to them or break promises.
Those who develop gambling problems often experience stress, anxiety or depression and may be at risk of suicide. If you’re feeling suicidal, call 999 or visit A&E immediately.
There are many different reasons why people develop a gambling problem. Some people use gambling to escape from reality, while others do it to distract themselves or lift their moods. The feeling of euphoria that is associated with gambling is linked to the brain’s reward system, and this can be addictive.
People who are prone to gambling problems can start gambling at any age, and it’s more common in men than women. Children as young as seven can struggle with addictions to video and mobile games that ask for micro-transactions or payments, which often involve gambling. Older people who are isolated or bored can also become vulnerable to gambling problems.
The way gambling is regulated can have an impact on the health and wellbeing of people. For example, some gambling products such as online betting and sports betting sites have been found to increase the risk of gambling problems. These products can be accessed on desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Some of these products are not well regulated and have high levels of stakes, meaning that people can easily lose large amounts of money in a short space of time.
In addition, the way gambling is promoted in the media can influence young people’s perception of the risks and benefits of gambling. This can lead to a false sense of security about the safety of gambling and create misconceptions about the prevalence and severity of gambling problems.
A growing role for assessing patients for pathological gambling behaviours within primary care settings is recognised. However, it can be difficult to evaluate the social impacts of gambling because they cannot be measured in monetary terms.
To assess the social impact of gambling, it is necessary to understand how people’s values and beliefs influence their views about gambling and what constitutes a gambling problem. For example, some cultures place a high value on gambling and consider it to be a ‘fun pastime’ that can bring enjoyment and socialising.