What is Gambling?

Gambling involves risking something of value on an uncertain event, with the intent to win something else of value. It encompasses everything from scratchcards and fruit machines to betting on sports events or horse races. It can also involve putting money on the outcome of an election or business transaction. But it excludes bona fide business transactions valid under law, such as purchasing goods and services on credit or in advance, contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life, health or accident insurance.

Gambling is a popular form of entertainment, and people do it for a variety of reasons. Often, it starts as a social activity, and for some people it can become a habit that they cannot break. However, the majority of people who gamble do not develop a problem. Most of the time, when someone has a gambling problem, it is because they are using the activity to escape from stressful realities or as a way of feeling more self-confident. Eventually, their losses can start to outweigh their wins, and they will be at risk of developing a serious gambling disorder.

It is important to understand why a person might have a gambling problem so that you can recognise it in your own loved ones and help them if necessary. If you are concerned that your loved one is gambling too much, there are many organisations that can offer support, assistance or counselling. They can teach you or your loved one how to control their gambling, or even stop them from gambling completely.

Several studies have found that people who suffer from pathological gambling exhibit a number of psychological symptoms similar to those of substance abusers. This includes a desire to continue gambling, despite increasing losses, an inability to stop gambling, and a preoccupation with the consequences of losing. Pathological gamblers are also likely to experience distorted thinking and poor judgment. They may be prone to compulsive behaviors and may engage in dishonest practices, such as cheating or lying.

The etiology of gambling problems is not well understood, and there are many theories. Some experts believe that the behavior is a learned response to stress, and that it can be managed like any other stressor. Others have suggested that it is a type of impulse control disorder, and that it might be associated with certain genetic factors. Some researchers have also compared it to addiction, and the current DSM nomenclature emphasizes its similarity to substance abuse, with the same diagnostic criteria (Lesieur, 1984).

There is no definitive answer to this question. Different observers, including research scientists, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians, tend to frame questions about gambling differently, depending on their disciplinary training, knowledge and experiences. As a result, there are many paradigms or world views that can be applied to the evaluation of gambling, which has made it difficult to establish a unidimensional construct for this disorder.