Gambling is an activity in which you stake something of value on the outcome of a random event. It can take many forms, from a few bucks on a lottery ticket to the thousands of dollars that some people put on their favourite sports teams. But all gambling involves the risk of losing money, and the chance of winning something of greater value.
Gambling has existed in almost every culture since prerecorded history, and it’s part of a lot of family traditions and rites of passage. It is a major international commercial industry, with the legal gambling market worth over US$300 billion in 2009 (Staff, 2024).
While some people gamble without any problems, others have a harder time controlling their behavior. Symptoms of an addiction to gambling can include lying about how much you’re betting, spending more than you can afford to lose, and chasing losses in the hope of winning back what you lost. People with an addictive gambling disorder may also be secretive or feel the need to hide their activities from friends and family.
The cause of a gambling disorder isn’t fully understood, but it likely has multiple causes and interacts with different factors in varying ways. Various studies have linked gambling to genetics, a person’s personality, and the way their brain responds to rewards and risks. The economic turmoil of the Great Depression and the rise of big business led to a greater emphasis on profit, which made it easier for people to gamble and become compulsive.
Another potential contributor is social and cultural factors. A person’s environment can influence their thoughts and values about gambling, and some communities have cultural norms that make it difficult to recognize a problem and seek help. For example, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote in the fourteenth century that “gambling is the mother of all lies,” and the British Crown imposed a ban on playing cards after it became a common pastime among the upper class.
While some people have a hard time admitting they have a gambling disorder, there are several treatment options available. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most widely used, and identifying pathways to a gambling problem can help clinicians tailor their approach. In addition, a variety of self-help groups have emerged, including Gamblers Anonymous and an adaptation of the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous program for problem gamblers. It’s also a good idea to strengthen your support network and find new interests that don’t involve gambling, such as joining a book club, sports team, or volunteering for a cause you care about. You can also try to find a sponsor, a former gambler who’s gone through recovery themselves and can offer support. If you’re having trouble finding a sponsor, talk to a counselor or contact a gambling support group. They can refer you to a program in your area. There are also online groups that can connect you with others who are struggling with gambling addiction. They can also offer advice on how to stay motivated and overcome challenges.