Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event largely determined by chance in the hope of realizing a profit. It has existed in virtually every society since prerecorded history and has been incorporated into many local customs and rites of passage. It is also a major international commercial activity, with legalized gambling markets worldwide estimated at more than US$1 trillion.
Despite the widespread availability and acceptance of gambling, it is not without risk. It can cause psychological and emotional harm, lead to financial ruin, and damage relationships with family members and friends. It can even result in suicide. There are a number of ways to help someone who is struggling with problem gambling. These include talking to a trusted friend, seeking professional therapy and addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to the behaviour.
Gambling affects people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is estimated that about 6% of the population have a problem with gambling. Problem gamblers may be at increased risk of depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. They also have a higher rate of family and marital problems and less successful career outcomes. It is important to recognize these signs and seek treatment for a gambling problem as early as possible.
A person may be considered to have a problem with gambling if they are engaging in any of the following behaviors:
They feel an urge to gamble even when they do not want to. They find it difficult to control their betting habits and cannot stop gambling when they lose money. They are secretive about their gambling and lie to family and friends. They spend more time gambling than they intended and often feel guilty about it afterwards. They become anxious and short-tempered when they cannot gamble. They may start to drink alcohol or take illegal drugs to relieve the tension. They are irritable and easily annoyed. They are worried about money and may be avoiding work or social activities to gamble.
If you or a loved one is struggling with problem gambling, the best thing to do is talk about it. Whether you are concerned about someone’s occasional gambling or if they have developed a serious addiction, you can help by setting boundaries in managing their money (see the Better Health Channel fact sheet on ‘Gambling – financial issues’). This includes limiting credit card spending, having someone else manage their finances and keeping only a small amount of cash with them. It is also useful to try and find healthier ways to cope with unpleasant feelings, such as exercise, relaxing activities, socialising with friends who do not gamble or finding new hobbies. You can find more information about problem gambling and self-assessment tools on the GamCare website.