The word “gambling” brings to mind a glamorous world of casinos, horse races and lottery games. But gambling is more than just a fun activity; it can be addictive and have serious financial consequences. It is important to recognize the signs that someone’s gambling habits are causing problems, such as spending more than they can afford, secretive behaviour and getting into debt.
The psychological factors that contribute to gambling are complex. For example, a person’s genetic predisposition for thrill-seeking and impulsivity can play a role. Some people also have a more sensitive brain reward system, which can influence how they process information and control impulses. In addition, people may be influenced by their environment and culture. For example, a person from a community where gambling is considered to be normal might find it difficult to recognize that they have a problem.
It is also possible that people with certain personality traits are more likely to develop a gambling disorder. A gambling disorder is characterized by a pattern of behavior that causes significant distress or impairment in daily functioning, and is persistent and recurrent. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, the term “pathological gambling” is used to describe this type of behavior. People with pathological gambling often report a history of distressing or embarrassing incidents related to their gambling activities, and they may feel the need to gamble in order to relieve these feelings.
People who are at a higher risk of developing a gambling disorder include people from low-income backgrounds, people who have been in prison, and young men. These groups are more likely to develop gambling disorders than other people, and they tend to have more difficulties stopping their gambling.
Vulnerability to gambling problems is also increased by the ease of access to gambling products and opportunities. These products are frequently located in areas with higher disadvantage, and are advertised heavily on television and social media. They are also promoted through sponsorship or colocation with popular events, such as sporting leagues.
Using a credit card to fund gambling can make it much harder to quit, and people who are addicted to gambling can be more likely to have a lapse if they see or pass a casino or TAB on their way to work. The key to avoiding a relapse is to create realistic expectations and treat gambling as an entertainment option rather than as a way to make money. In other words, start with a set amount of money that you are willing to lose and stick to it.
It is also important to remember that even if you win, it doesn’t mean you will keep winning. The chance of losing is just as high as the chance of winning, so you should expect to lose most of the time. Another good tip is to never chase your losses. This is a common mistake that many people make and it leads to more lost money.
