Gambling is a widespread activity that involves placing an uncertain wager on the outcome of an event, game or contest. The stakes can be money, goods, services, or other items of value. Often, the outcome of gambling events is determined by chance or accident, although knowledge and skill may reduce the likelihood of an event occurring (for example, understanding odds and probability in card games).
People who develop a problem with gambling are of all ages and from every background. Those who are most vulnerable include those under 18 years old, men, those living alone, those with mental health problems, or those with poor socioeconomic circumstances. In addition, those who are addicted to video and mobile phone games, which ask for frequent micro-transactions and payments, are at risk of developing a gambling problem.
Regardless of the type of gambling, most participants lose more than they win. Whether it is buying lottery tickets, playing slots or scratch-offs, betting on horse races or fantasy sports leagues, playing online poker, or even DIY investing, many people spend more than they win, and often end up with a net negative balance. In addition, gambling can have social and psychological consequences that may be worse than those of other addictions, such as drinking or drugs. It can cause marital difficulties, affect a person’s performance at work or school, damage their physical and mental health, or lead to debt and homelessness. Some pathological gamblers even attempt suicide.
In a country where gambling is legal, easy accessibility increases the risk of harm. This is facilitated by the colocation of gambling products with sport and cultural activities, through sponsorship or other commercial associations, and through aggressive promotion on television, radio, and in popular culture. In addition, the design of gambling products can promote use by exploiting cognitive biases. Furthermore, existing health promotion messages are inadequate and can contain ‘dark nudges’ that encourage the consumption of these harmful products.
A person’s brain chemistry can change when they start to gamble frequently, making them less able to control their spending or stop gambling. Moreover, when they feel the thrill of winning, their motivation to continue gambling can increase as they believe that the feeling will last longer. Consequently, they will need to bet more and more to achieve the same pleasure.
The brain chemical that mediates the rewarding feelings of gambling is called dopamine. Dopamine is a naturally occurring substance in the brain, but it can also be induced by other substances such as alcohol and some medications. As a result, those who use alcohol or other drugs or take certain medication are more prone to develop a gambling problem than others. For this reason, it is important to limit gambling and other forms of recreational betting. This includes not drinking too much and always tipping the cocktail waitresses by giving them chips instead of cash, and not betting more than you can afford to lose.