The Dangers of Gambling
Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event that depends primarily on chance with the intent to win something else of value. It is a widespread activity that exists in every society throughout history and has been incorporated into local customs and rites of passage for centuries. It involves placing a bet on an uncertain outcome, whether it is the roll of dice, the spin of a roulette wheel, or the winner of a horse race.
Despite its widespread popularity, gambling can also be dangerous and even life-threatening. Some individuals are at a greater risk of developing an addiction to gambling, including adolescents, males, people with certain mental health issues (including depression), and those who have lost control of their finances. In addition, people who have had other types of substance or process abuse problems may be more susceptible to developing a gambling problem.
In order to be classified as a gambling disorder, the DSM-5 criteria state that: “the person has a preoccupation with or obsession with gambling and is unable to control their betting behavior.” Other symptoms of a gambling disorder include: (1) lying to family members, therapists, or others about the extent of one’s involvement in gambling; (2) feeling guilty, ashamed, or helpless after losing money in a gamble; (3) continuing to bet even after one is clearly exhibiting negative consequences; (4) committing illegal acts, such as forgery or embezzlement, to fund gambling; (5) jeopardizing or risking a significant relationship, job, educational, or career opportunity in order to finance a wager; and (6) relying on other people to provide financial resources to mitigate a desperate financial situation caused by gambling” (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
There are a variety of reasons why people gamble, and it is important to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Individuals may gamble for social, emotional, or financial reasons, or for the thrill of winning a jackpot. For example, friends may place informal bets on the outcomes of sports events like football games or horse races within their social circle. These bets are not for financial gain but are meant to enhance the enjoyment of the game and encourage friendly competition.
When people engage in gambling, the brain responds differently than with other activities that involve a sense of reward. Potenza et al. (2008) conducted a series of experiments in which they showed images to participants and measured their neurological responses. When recreational and pathological gamblers were shown images, their brain activity spiked compared to those of non-gamblers. Moreover, the brain activity of the pathological gamblers remained elevated for a longer period of time than those of the recreational and social gamblers. These results suggest that there is a biological basis to the notion that gambling can lead to an addictive response in the brain. This explains why it can be so hard for some people to stop gambling once they begin. This is why it is important to seek professional help if you are concerned that your or someone you know has developed a gambling disorder.
