Problems With Gambling
Gambling is the betting of something of value on a game, contest, or uncertain event whose outcome depends on chance or accident. It includes activities such as scratchcards, fruit machines, and placing bets on events like football games or horse races. It also involves wagering money on games of skill, such as poker or blackjack. It is important to note that the vast majority of people who gamble do so without experiencing problems. This is because they play for entertainment and on a recreational basis, only bet what they can afford to lose, and do not engage in gambling as a way of coping with life’s difficulties.
Problems with gambling often start early in life and can affect both men and women, children and adults. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including mental illness, family and social environment, and genetics. In addition, they can be triggered by specific events or situations such as unemployment, relationship break-ups, and job losses.
In recent years, our understanding of the nature and causes of gambling problems has undergone a profound change. It is now firmly established that individuals who experience adverse consequences from gambling are not simply unlucky, but have psychological problems that need to be addressed. This shift has been reflected in, or stimulated by, the emergence of new editions of clinical books on the subject and is consistent with changes in our understanding of other behavioural addictions, such as alcoholic drinking.
The world’s legal gambling industries generate revenue of over $10 trillion per year. This includes state-organized or -controlled lotteries, and organized sports betting on major events such as soccer or American football (though it may include other types of gambling that are not widely reported).
While some governments regulate gambling activities, others do not. Some of the most dangerous forms of gambling are lottery games and illegal sports betting, which can have devastating effects on communities and families. However, even legal gambling can be problematic if it takes up too much of a person’s time or money, especially if it is done to cope with other sources of stress.
A number of strategies can help a person deal with gambling cravings and stop harmful behaviour. They include seeking support from friends and family, practicing urge postponement techniques, and engaging in fulfilling hobbies. In addition, physical activity can increase energy levels and help to reduce feelings of boredom or loneliness that may trigger gambling urges.
WHO recognizes the negative impact that gambling can have on health, and calls for multisectoral action to reduce gambling harm. This should include implementing universal pre-commitment systems (which require people to set binding limits on the amount of time and money they spend on gambling), and self-exclusion from gambling providers (which allows people to ban themselves). Universal (and not voluntary) systems are more effective than voluntarist approaches, which have been found to be unenforceable. The promotion and advertising of gambling should also be reduced, and other upstream efforts aimed at prevention and harm reduction should be increased.
