Recognising the Signs of Gambling Addiction
Gambling is when you risk something of value to predict the outcome of an event based on chance, such as betting on a football team to win or playing scratchcards. It is often a fun and social activity, but it can also be addictive, with people spending more than they can afford to lose. This can lead to problems, including debt and homelessness, and harming others. Recognising the signs of gambling addiction can be a vital first step in getting help.
While many people view gambling as a guilty pleasure, there is nothing wrong with enjoying a little fun! There are a million hobbies and diversions, from furries to cloggers, that get less stigma, but why is gambling singled out? It is not a sin, but a simple pleasure, and like any indulgence, it should be enjoyed in moderation.
It can also have a positive impact on the economy, contributing to GDP in countries where it is prominent. Furthermore, it provides employment to a significant number of people.
Research has shown that gambling is a psychologically rewarding activity, inducing the brain to produce dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter. This is because the brain is hard-wired to seek novelty and reward, and gamblers receive unexpected rewards (such as a big win) that are different from the norm. It has also been found that people who have a high level of dopamine in their blood are more likely to be gamblers, and those with low levels are less likely to.
Gambling can be conducted with various materials, not just money – marbles and collectable trading card games, for example. It can also be played online, with virtual money and prizes. However, the majority of gambling is done with real money.
The risks of gambling can be mitigated by setting boundaries before beginning to play, such as setting a budget and refusing bonuses. This helps to avoid the temptation of chasing losses, where people think they can recover lost money by gambling more. This thinking is called the gambler’s fallacy and is dangerous, as people are unlikely to make a comeback from such a large deficit.
Another way to limit harm is to promote prevention, such as universal pre-commitment systems (requiring those who gamble to set binding limits) and self-exclusion from gambling providers. These measures can have a major impact, but require cooperation from those who are willing to take them up. Prevention is a cost-effective strategy, and should be given precedence over reactive interventions.