For most people, gambling is a recreational activity that provides enjoyment and social interaction. However, for a small and significant group of individuals, gambling becomes an addiction that results in negative personal, family and financial consequences. Despite these clear societal costs, there is no single definition of gambling disorder and the term has been applied to a variety of different disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Gambling involves the taking of an uncertain risk for stakes. It can take the form of betting on a sporting event or a random lottery draw, or it can be playing card games. It’s also possible to gamble online and via mobile devices.
Many people find that they are compelled to gamble despite their best efforts, often becoming unable to stop or control their behavior. This is known as compulsive or pathological gambling, and it’s important to understand that this condition is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness, but rather a serious behavioral disorder that needs professional help.
While the causes of gambling disorders remain a mystery, there are some things that you can do to reduce your vulnerability. For example, it’s important to avoid triggers that make you want to gamble, such as being around friends who also gamble or watching sports events. You can also limit your access to money by leaving credit cards and nonessential cash at home and avoiding casinos.
You can also practice better coping skills to deal with urges to gamble, such as writing down your thoughts or feelings about the urge and then using relaxation techniques or finding other ways to distract yourself. Another helpful tip is to only gamble with disposable income, and not with money that needs to be spent on necessities.
It’s also important to remember that gambling is a business and that the owners of casino buildings, bookmakers and even video game designers all make a profit on your actions. Gambling venues are not one-man shows, and it takes a lot of people to keep these businesses running smoothly – from dealers and odds compilers to marketers and PR staff. Remembering this fact may be a good reminder that gambling is not as innocent as it’s made out to seem, and that you are contributing to the success of these companies – and in turn – the rest of society.
