Gambling is the wagering of money or something else of value on an event with an uncertain outcome, such as a game of chance or a race. It involves a risk and a prize and can take many forms, including buying lottery tickets, sports betting, playing card games for money or other items, casino gambling, online gambling and video poker. It is considered a harmful activity by many and can have serious consequences for people’s mental health. People who gamble can suffer from a range of problems, such as gambling addiction and financial stress. Often, these issues are accompanied by other problems such as depression, anxiety and substance misuse. Gambling can also lead to family breakdown, relationship problems and even suicide. Despite the prevalence of gambling in society, there is little research into how to help those who may be addicted or at risk of developing a problem. There are, however, a number of ways that people can get help and support. Self-help groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, offer a supportive environment and shared experiences, while professional treatment options can provide a structured approach to recovery that reduces urges to gamble and addresses underlying mental health conditions.
It is important to remember that there is a big difference between recreational and problem gambling. While some people may enjoy gambling, there is a difference between this and being hooked on it. Those who become dependent on gambling are at greater risk of a variety of harms, including financial distress and suicide, which can impact family and friends as well. In addition to this, problem gamblers are at a higher risk of suffering from depression and anxiety, which can also cause serious health problems and affect work performance.
In order to address gambling harm, it is crucial to understand how it develops and the broader social contexts that influence gambling behaviour. While there is a wealth of research focusing on individual behaviour and addiction, there is a smaller but growing corpus of work considering the wider socio-cultural and political environment that influences gambling. Practice theory provides a useful framework for understanding these wider forces, as it considers how various aspects of an activity—including rituals, use of materials and knowledge, language and discourse, social structures, spaces and places—can shape that activity.
In terms of gambling, these forces include the promotion and marketing of gambling through a variety of channels including television advertising, sponsorship, branding and social media, as well as the appeals to social constructs such as hedonism, thrill and adventure and mateship that are used in the marketing of gambling. A shift towards a practice theory approach to gambling research can help address these issues and contribute to more holistic harm reduction strategies.