Gambling Disorder
Gambling is a form of risk-taking where money or something else of value is placed on an outcome that involves some degree of chance. It can take many forms, from scratchcards to casino games, but most gamblers place bets with real money. If they predict the correct outcome, they win a prize; if they do not, they lose money. Gambling can lead to financial stress, relationship difficulties, loss of employment, mental health problems and even suicide. It can also have a lasting impact on family and friends.
While most people gamble in some form, for some the gambling becomes a serious problem. When this happens, it is known as gambling disorder. The condition is a mental illness and, like other disorders, requires treatment. There are a range of treatment options, from self-help groups to therapy and medication. Some treatments are designed to treat the underlying cause of the disorder, while others focus on treating the symptoms. Regardless of the type of treatment, it is important to address the underlying mental health issue in order to prevent recurrence of gambling-related problems.
The defining features of gambling disorder include: (1) the gambler is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., reliving past gambling experiences, planning or thinking about the next gamble, estimating or handicapping the odds of events), and (2) the gambler demonstrates a persistent desire to wager and/or engage in other risk-taking activities despite negative consequences. Other features of the disorder include: (3) the gambler lies to conceal the extent of their involvement with gambling; (4) the gambler often returns another day in order to try to get even (“chasing” losses); and (5) the gambler has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, education or career opportunity or has resorted to illegal acts to finance their gambling (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
Although there is a wide variety of gambling-related behavior, only a small percentage togel hari ini of gamblers develop a disorder. Similarly, a large percentage of those who experience harm from gambling do not seek help. The low rate of uptake of intervention suggests that stigma and shame may be barriers to seeking support. Moreover, the preferred regulatory approach of the gambling industry – responsible gambling – can have the effect of placing blame on those who experience harm, which may further discourage them from seeking help.
The most effective interventions are population-based, and should address both the promotion and availability of gambling products as well as the societal norms that promote them. In addition, a public information campaign is needed to emphasize the risks of gambling and its adverse consequences. This includes reducing exposure to advertising and promotions, requiring centralized account registration with binding loss limits and restricting the density of gambling outlets. In addition, efforts should be made to remove “dark nudges” that encourage gambling by exploiting cognitive biases, such as the gambler’s illusion of control and heuristics. This will require the cooperation of industry, regulators and other stakeholders. It will also require strong enforcement of existing laws and regulations.