The Dangers of Gambling
Gambling involves risking something of value – money, property or possessions – on the outcome of a game or contest or uncertain event with awareness of the risk and in the hope of gain. It varies from the purchase of lottery tickets by people living on little income to sophisticated casino gambling by those who have much. It may involve a game of skill, such as card games or dice, or it may be purely a matter of chance. Whether legal or not, gambling can have devastating effects on people’s lives. It can lead to serious debt and even bankruptcy, sabotage relationships, and cause people to do things they never thought possible, such as steal to gamble. It can also trigger or worsen mood disorders, such as depression and stress.
While many people associate gambling with casinos and racetracks, gambling takes place everywhere – at gas stations, church halls, sports events, on the Internet and at home. It is possible to be addicted to any type of gambling, including regulated and non-regulated games of chance and skill, such as poker, blackjack, slot machines, roulette, two-up and other table games. It can also involve betting on a sports event or election, such as football accumulators and horse and greyhound races. It can also be a form of entertainment, such as dice or guessing games, or it can be speculating on business or financial issues.
If you have a problem with gambling, you should seek help. Many organisations offer support, assistance and counselling for people with gambling problems, and some have residential treatment or rehab programs for those who can’t manage their addiction without round-the-clock care.
Psychiatrists used to think that pathological gambling was a type of impulse control disorder, but this year, the American Psychiatric Association moved it into the section on addictive disorders. This decision reflects new research that shows there’s no single type of gambling that’s more likely to cause an addiction, and that all forms of gambling can be harmful. It also suggests that gambling can be more of an addiction than previously thought, and that the risks of gambling depend on a person’s personality, genetic predisposition and environment.
People who have a gambling problem are often embarrassed or ashamed, and they might hide their activities from family members and friends. They might lie to their spouses or children about how much they spend on gambling, or they might try to justify their gambling by arguing that they’re just having fun and enjoying the entertainment. It’s also important to consider that gambling can be a social activity and a fun way to spend time with friends. In fact, it has been around for millennia, from primitive stone-age dice games to the modern casino industry. So, while losing some money at a casino is not the same as spending $200 on a night out with friends, it’s still an enjoyable activity that should be enjoyed responsibly. The key is to not let your gambling habits become a destructive habit.
Gambling involves risking something of value – money, property or possessions – on the outcome of a game or contest or uncertain event with awareness of the risk and in the hope of gain. It varies from the purchase of lottery tickets by people living on little income to sophisticated casino gambling by those who…