Gambling is a popular leisure time activity that involves risking something of value (such as money) on the outcome of a game of chance. It can also involve the use of other materials of value that do not represent cash, such as marbles or collectible gaming pieces like small discs or trading cards. Gambling may be conducted in casinos, racetracks, sports events, and even online. It has many social impacts, both positive and negative, on the gambler, their significant others, and society.
The benefits and costs of gambling are categorized into three classes: financial, labor, and well-being. Financial impacts are changes in financial situations, including income and wealth. Labor impacts include changes in work productivity, absenteeism, reduced performance, and job losses and gains. Social impacts include changes in quality of life, and community/societal effects. The methods used to measure these impacts differ between research scientists, psychiatrists and other treatment clinicians, and public policy makers who frame the questions about gambling from their own disciplinary training, world views and experiences.
Individuals who have problem gambling tend to develop it for a variety of reasons. Some individuals begin gambling for social reasons, such as joining a group of friends who enjoy the activity, or because they are excited by the possibility of winning. Others might start because they have financial problems and hope to make money by gambling. And still others might take up gambling because it makes them feel good, or as a way to escape from everyday problems and stresses.
People who have a gambling disorder often experience an inability to control their behavior, even though they know that it is causing them harm. They are often preoccupied with gambling and think about it constantly. They may spend large amounts of money, resulting in debts that interfere with their daily lives and relationships. They may develop a tolerance to gambling and need to bet higher amounts to feel the same level of excitement. They may also suffer from withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop gambling.
Some individuals who have a problem with gambling have difficulty accepting that they need help and often resist treatment. However, treatment is available for anyone who has a problem with gambling, regardless of age, gender, race, religion or education level. The majority of individuals who have a problem with gambling can limit their gambling or stop it altogether by using personal self-control. This is why it’s so important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of problem gambling and seek help for yourself or someone you care about if you notice these behaviors. Pathological gambling has been compared to substance abuse by some researchers and is now included in the DSM IV class of disorders, along with addiction, alcoholism, and other mental health disorders. The similarities between the two disorders are based on similar neurobiological and psychological principles. They both produce the same dopamine response in the brain, and they both create a sense of euphoria and thrill.