Gambling involves risking money or something of value on an outcome that is determined by chance. It can be a fun and exciting way to spend time, but it’s important to know your limits.
You should never gamble when you’re feeling down or stressed. These emotions can make gambling more addictive.
Understanding how gambling works
Gambling is a thriving form of entertainment but it can become addictive for some people. Advances in brain imaging techniques are helping Cambridge scientists understand why and how this happens. They have found that gambling games promote an illusion of control: the belief that a gambler can exert skill over an outcome that is defined by chance.
When researchers showed images to recreational and pathological gamblers, their brain activity changed. Pathological gamblers’ brain activity spiked and stayed elevated in ways that didn’t occur with recreational or social gamblers.
One of the most dangerous aspects of gambling is ‘chasing losses’. This is when a gambler invests more time and money in an attempt to win back losses that have already been incurred. It almost always backfires and leads to more loss. This is because our brains are more sensitive to losses than gains of equal value and are prone to falling into the heuristics of loss aversion.
Understanding the risk of gambling
In general, gambling involves putting something of value on an event with the hope of winning a prize. Those who engage in this behaviour may experience negative consequences, such as debt, health problems and relationship issues. People may also lose control over their spending and become reliant on gambling as a source of income. This behaviour is known as compulsive or pathological gambling. It can be recognised by a combination of symptoms, including difficulty controlling emotions, impaired judgement and impulsivity.
Several studies have examined interventions to reduce gambling-related harms. The reviews included both those evaluating whole-population preventive interventions and those examining targeted interventions for individuals at risk of gambling-related harms. The reviews found that reducing supply can be effective, particularly by restricting advertising. However, there is limited evidence to support demand reduction strategies. Interventions that encourage people to self-restrict their gambling appear to be the most promising. These include on-screen messages, high-threat messaging endorsed by medical or government agencies, and financial or family-based support.
Getting help if you’re worried about your gambling
If someone you know is exhibiting harmful gambling behaviour, it’s important to get them help as soon as possible. Problem gambling can quickly impact multiple areas of a person’s life, from relationships to finances.
It’s important to talk about this issue with them in a calm, non-judgmental way. Having a professional counsellor to talk with can be beneficial, as they’ll be able to offer guidance and support.
A counsellor can help a person to identify their triggers and understand why they gamble, which will lead to them being able to address these issues. They can also teach them strategies for reducing their gambling.
You can also contact GambleAware for more information about getting help, and StepChange for free debt advice. It’s also worth mentioning that some people with mental health problems are at greater risk of harmful gambling. This is because gambling can become a way to distract themselves from painful emotions, such as depression or anxiety.
Getting help if you’re a problem gambler
Gambling problems can disrupt a person’s life. They can affect family, friends, work, study, and career opportunities. They can also cause emotional and physical pain. People with other mental and mood disorders, such as unmanaged ADHD, depression or anxiety, have a higher risk of problem gambling.
If someone close to you is causing harm through their gambling, it’s important for them to know that you are concerned and will support them in getting help. Educating yourself about problem gambling, its impact on families and guidelines for recovery is helpful.
Psychotherapy – individual or group therapy and support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous – can help. Treatment may include medication such as antidepressants or mood stabilisers. There are state-funded, no-cost programs available that can help a gambler quit and get their life back on track. Contact your local gambling help service for information and assistance. It’s easier to help someone else when you’re taking care of yourself.