Gambling is a social activity in which people place value on the outcome of a game of chance. It can take many forms including scratchcards, fruit machines, lottery, betting on sporting events and games of skill such as blackjack and poker. If a person wins they will receive a payout or if they lose, they will incur a loss.
In the UK over half of the population participates in gambling activities. For some this can be a fun pastime but for others it can lead to serious harm. Problem gambling can cause financial stress, break down relationships and even result in homelessness. It can also damage a person’s physical and mental health, affect their performance at work or school, get them into legal trouble and contribute to suicide. Gambling harms can endure throughout a person’s life and are transmissible across generations.
What are the causes of gambling addiction?
Like most other addictions, the cause of gambling is complex and varied. It is often the result of a combination of factors, such as:
Some people gamble for social interaction and to meet their basic human needs, especially when these are not met in other ways. They may feel a sense of belonging in a group when they play games of skill with other people, and this can help them feel a sense of achievement and accomplishment. Casinos are designed to foster this sense of belonging by providing a variety of entertainment options and social activities in a stimulating environment.
Other people begin gambling as a way to escape or profit from the stress of their lives. As the stress increases, they find that gambling offers them an escape from reality but in reality it only adds to their problems and can actually become a source of more stress.
There are a number of strategies to overcome a gambling problem, including self-help, family and professional support and recovery programs such as Gamblers Anonymous. It is important to have a strong support network and a plan to avoid situations that trigger gambling, such as visiting casinos or betting online. It is also helpful to identify external triggers, such as friends who pressure you to gamble or have a habit of gambling themselves.
It is important to reduce your access to money so you can’t gamble. This can include removing credit cards from your wallet, putting someone else in charge of finances or blocking access to gambling websites and apps on your computer. It is also helpful to limit your social interactions with those who encourage gambling and to make new friendships in non-gambling environments, such as joining a book club, gym or volunteer project. You should also try to reduce your exposure to temptation by not going to places that sell gambling products or by telling those establishments you have a gambling disorder. You should also consider seeking support from a peer support program, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is a 12-step recovery program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.