Gambling is a type of recreational activity where a person wagers something of value (like money) on an event that has a chance to occur. It is often distinguished from other types of risk-taking, such as insurance, which transfers risks and rewards between parties based on actuarial calculations. Despite its legality in many states, gambling is still considered an addictive activity by some. People who engage in gambling are subject to a variety of social, psychological and financial harms.
Most individuals participate in gambling because they enjoy it. However, a small number of people develop serious gambling addictions that result in negative personal, family, work and community impacts. The emergence of online casinos has further increased the accessibility of this addictive activity for both problem and non-problem gamblers.
Some research has focused on the negative aspects of gambling, while others have emphasized its positive economic and cultural benefits. However, few studies have explored social costs and benefits. Social costs and benefits are intangible, making it difficult to quantify them. The majority of gambling research has ignored these effects in favor of focusing on monetary costs and benefits.
The societal and community levels of gambling impacts have been under-studied in comparison to the personal and inter-personal level. The interpersonal level focuses on effects that influence gamblers directly and includes family members and friends. The community/societal level focuses on externalities that are not directly related to gamblers but impact other people, such as community cohesion and quality of life.
It can be hard to recognise when your gambling is becoming a problem and many people are secretive about their activity, feeling that others won’t understand or even that they will surprise them with a big win. In addition, some people begin to hide evidence of their gambling or lie about how much time they spend at gambling venues.
If you are worried that your gambling is out of control, it is important to talk about it with someone who won’t judge you – this could be a friend, a relative or a professional counsellor. Keeping yourself busy with other activities and hobbies is also important, as is reducing the amount of money that you are spending on gambling.
It is also a good idea to try and build up your support network. This could include joining a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, or talking to a GP or psychologist. Various treatment methods are available for treating gambling addiction, including cognitive therapy, psychotherapy and behaviour change techniques. Some people also benefit from regular physical activity, and some are helped by a combination of these treatments. In some cases, medication may also be used in conjunction with these therapies. A behavioural approach to treating gambling addiction involves teaching people healthy coping and lifestyle habits, as well as addressing underlying issues such as depression and anxiety. This can be a very long process, but it is one that can provide lasting relief.