The act of wagering money or something else of value on an event with an uncertain outcome. Gambling involves three elements: consideration, risk and a prize. It can take many forms, including casino games, sports betting, lottery games and online gambling. While it can be a fun and entertaining activity for some people, for others, it becomes a serious addiction that leads to financial and personal problems.
Problem gambling is considered a mental health issue and is included in the DSM-5 under behavioral disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). In addition to having a preoccupation with gambling, those who have a gambling disorder may: have repeated unsuccessful attempts to control their gambling; lie to family members or therapists to conceal the extent of their involvement; spend more and more time on gambling activities to maintain their excitement levels; feel restless and irritable when they attempt to stop gambling; suffer from depressive moods; or attempt to get back the money they have lost through continued betting (“chasing” losses).
It is important to know that it is possible to have a problem with gambling, even though it is commonly seen as an activity that is socially acceptable. Many people engage in social gambling activities, such as playing card or board games with friends for a small amount of money, participating in a friendly football pool or buying lottery tickets. Some people make a living from gambling, known as professional gamblers, who have a deep understanding of the game or games they play and use strategy and skill to consistently win.
A person who has a gambling disorder has a high risk for serious consequences, such as financial loss and marital and other relationship problems, if not treated. There are several effective treatments for problem gambling, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps to change the way someone thinks about betting. It also addresses the beliefs that contribute to problematic gambling, such as the belief that certain rituals can increase luck or that you can win back your losses by betting more.
The first step in treating a gambling disorder is admitting that there is a problem. While this can be difficult, it is vital in order to seek treatment and reclaim your life from the harmful effects of gambling. You can then learn healthier ways of relieving unpleasant feelings and finding entertainment, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, taking up new hobbies or practicing relaxation techniques. In addition, couples and family therapy can help you resolve the issues that have been caused by your gambling problem and lay the foundation for repairing your relationships and finances. Finally, credit counseling can help you rebuild your finances by educating you on how to manage your credit and debt. Changing the way you handle money will make it more difficult to gamble in the future. This will allow you to spend more time on your personal and professional goals. It will also prevent you from using gambling as a form of self-medication.
