Gambling involves betting something of value – usually money – on an event where its outcome is entirely determined by chance. People gamble for various reasons, from hoping to make big wins to passing time; gambling may have negative repercussions for themselves, their families, and finances.
Though most people enjoy gambling responsibly, a minority may develop harmful gambling behaviors which cause harm. Harmful gambling can be defined as excessive or compulsive gambling leading to significant psychological, emotional, financial or social repercussions; such consequences could include psychological imbalance, financial hardship and social isolation.
Understanding and mitigating gambling harm is difficult. While gambling covers an extremely broad spectrum of activities, studies indicate several common threads. These include:
Problem gambling usually begins during adulthood and may be preceded by events which increase the risk of addiction, such as:
People who develop gambling issues typically begin their involvement at normal levels and can experience both positive and negative experiences, but can quickly become increasingly immersed and dependent as their gambling behavior escalates, ultimately leading to severe harm that may even become debilitating.
Although various factors can contribute to gambling disorder, economic pressures appear to be the main driver. This phenomenon in the US can be linked to shifting social values which placed more importance on wealth accumulation and business profitability; additionally, during the Depression of 1930s people relied heavily on gambling in order to meet financial obligations.
Vulnerability to gambling disorders tends to be greater among certain groups, including those from lower socioeconomic status or younger or male populations. Gambling disorder cases often stem from events or circumstances which cause stress or anxiety, including unemployment, relationship break-up, financial issues or environmental stresses. Conditions such as these can also trigger relapse in those who have already developed an addiction problem. Governments can implement measures that foster responsible gambling such as universal pre-commitment and self-exclusion systems to combat gambling disorder. They can also educate their population on its dangers while supporting public awareness campaigns.