Gambling is when you put something of value, like money, on the outcome of a game that involves chance. The game can be anything from a lottery or a scratchcard to betting on sports events or card games. If you predict the outcome correctly, you win money. If you don’t, you lose what you staked. Gambling is legal in most states, though it can have serious consequences for some people. People who have a gambling disorder are at high risk of having problems with their work, health and relationships.
In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Gambling Disorder has been moved to a new category on behavioral addictions, based on evidence that it shares characteristics with substance-related disorders in clinical expression, brain origin, comorbidity and physiology. It is important to differentiate between problem gambling and regular gambling. Problem gambling is associated with significant distress, impairment and cost, while regular gambling is a popular recreational activity that does not cause negative effects on those who participate.
The definition of a gamble relates to the consideration paid and the risk or uncertainity of winning a prize, but does not include bona fide business transactions that are valid under contract law, such as buying and selling commodities at future dates, contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life, health and accident insurance. The skill of the player may improve his or her chances in some games, such as using knowledge of playing strategies to win a card game, or the abilities of horses and jockeys to predict probable outcomes in horse racing, but this is still considered gambling because the results of these activities are mostly random.
People who experience a gambling problem have trouble controlling their behavior and have difficulty stopping, even when it is causing them harm. They might hide their gambling or try to make up excuses for their behavior, such as spending more time at work or lying to family members about how much they are spending on gambling. They might also avoid other activities, like eating or sleeping, to spend more time gambling.
Some researchers have found that gambling activates the brain’s reward system in the same way as alcohol and some drugs. This can overstimulate the brain, leading to a reduction in pleasure over time. This leads some individuals to gamble more to feel the same level of pleasure, and they can become addicted to gambling.
Getting help for a gambling problem is possible. Many organisations offer support, counselling and education for those struggling with a gambling addiction. There are also self-help groups for families, such as Gam-Anon. You can find a local service by calling a national helpline or checking the online directory. You can also ask for a referral from your doctor or a specialist. If you are worried about someone else’s gambling habits, talk to them about the resources available and encourage them to seek help. You can also postpone gambling for a short period of time, which may help you stop the urge.