Gambling involves wagering something of value (money, property or other assets) on an uncertain event that is based at least partly on chance. People gamble in a variety of ways, from playing card games such as poker or blackjack, to placing bets with friends on sporting events like football or horse races, and even online video games that require micro-transactions. People who gamble can experience a range of problems, including losing money and straining or breaking relationships. In extreme cases, problem gambling can lead to addiction and financial distress.
Some people become addicted to gambling without realizing it, although others are more vulnerable to developing an addiction. Research shows that some groups are more likely to develop a gambling disorder, such as young people or men, and people with low incomes who have more to lose. It’s also important to note that some people are at greater risk for developing an addiction if they’ve already experienced mental illness or other psychiatric conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
A number of factors can influence the likelihood that someone will develop a gambling disorder, including the environment and community they’re in, how much their family members gamble, their own personal history with gambling, and their personality traits. Generally, people who develop an addiction to gambling have a combination of healthy and unhealthy motives for gambling. They often start out with the best of intentions, but as their addiction progresses, they may feel increasingly compelled to gamble and can no longer control their gambling behavior.
Despite the widespread availability and popularity of gambling, there are still concerns about its negative impact on health. Many of these concerns focus on the relationship between gambling and various forms of mental illness, as well as the potential for a link between gambling and alcohol abuse or substance use disorders. Currently, there is a growing role for assessing patients for gambling disorders in primary care settings.
Many health professionals have varying viewpoints about gambling and its relationship to health. For example, researchers, psychiatrists and other treatment providers, and public policy makers all frame the issue of gambling differently, based on their disciplinary training, experience, and world views.
As a result, it can be challenging to agree on a common definition of gambling. Some healthcare professionals may use the terms “gambling disorder” and “problem gambling,” while others might prefer to include a wider definition that includes any type of gambling behavior that negatively impacts a patient’s wellbeing. Regardless of the terminology, there are certain criteria that should be included in any diagnostic scheme for gambling disorders, such as damage or disruption, loss of control, and dependence. In order to ensure consistency and accuracy, the criteria used should be consistent across disciplines and clinical practice.