What Is Gambling?
Gambling is a form of wagering that involves risking something of value on a future contingent event, based on an agreement or understanding that one or more parties will receive something of value in the event of a win. Gambling includes any game of chance or skill in which the stakes are money or anything else of value that has the potential to increase in value over time, including collectibles like marbles or pogs used for a board game or trading cards used in a card game such as Magic: The Gathering. It also includes betting on sporting events or on the outcome of a contest, even though it does not include bona fide business transactions such as the purchase of stock, securities, contracts of indemnity or guaranty, and life, health, and accident insurance.
Problem gambling is a complex issue that can affect anyone who gambles and often interferes with a person’s everyday functioning, personal relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. It can cause emotional, financial, and social problems that may result in legal issues. Problem gambling is estimated to affect about 2 million U.S. adults (1%) with severe gambling problems and another 4-8 million (2-3%) who meet diagnostic criteria for disorder but are not at this point receiving treatment.
Several different theories exist to explain pathological gambling, and research shows that it is associated with impaired impulse control, particularly sensation-seeking. In addition, the impulsivity involved in gambling is believed to be linked to an imbalance in reward and dopamine systems. In addition, research suggests that pathological gambling can co-occur with depression and anxiety.
While there are no FDA-approved medications to treat gambling disorders, counseling can help people understand their behavior and learn to manage it. Counseling can also help them consider other ways to spend their time, such as exercising, taking a hobby, or spending time with family and friends. While it may take tremendous strength and courage for a person to admit they have a gambling problem, it is possible to overcome the condition.
The first step is admitting there is a problem, which can be difficult for someone who has lost a lot of money and has strained or broken relationships as a result of their gambling habits. The next step is seeking treatment, which can be done with the help of a therapist. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed, accredited therapists who can provide support for many common mental health problems, including gambling disorders. To get started, simply take our assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Then you can start rebuilding your life. Click to read more about BetterHelp.