Problem Gambling

While many people enjoy gambling as an enjoyable social activity, a small subset of individuals develop harmful gambling behaviour that has serious personal and family, work and financial consequences. Problem gambling can affect relationships, the ability to study or work, and lead to credit problems. It can even be a contributing factor to suicide.

Problem gambling involves placing a bet on the outcome of a random event with an expectation that you will win something of value, such as money or a prize. It is a type of addiction and is classified as a mental disorder in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

In addition to psychological disorders, mood states, drug misuse and poor coping skills, people with problematic gambling can also be at risk for cognitive and motivational biases that distort their perception of odds and influences their preferences for particular gambles. These include the belief that if you have had more frequent or larger wins in the past, it is likely to happen again; this is known as the Gambler’s Fallacy.

Another contributing factor is a lack of understanding about how gambling works, how to control the urge to gamble and how gambling can cause harm. This is compounded by cultural beliefs and values that can make it difficult to recognise that gambling is causing problems. For example, some communities may regard gambling as a common pastime and not consider it to be a problem, or they may have certain ideas about what constitutes a fair return on investment.

Genetics and biological factors, such as an underactive brain reward system or impulsivity, can play a role in developing problematic gambling. In some cases, these factors can be influenced by environmental and community influences, such as the availability of gambling opportunities, whether there is a high risk culture or peer pressure to gamble.

Individuals can start to struggle with problematic gambling when they lose control of their decision-making and have trouble controlling their impulses and finances. They can also become secretive about their gambling, hiding it from family and friends or lying about the amount they are spending.

It is important for those close to a person with a gambling problem to support them in seeking help, especially if they are experiencing depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts. It is helpful to frame the discussion as a health issue rather than a lifestyle choice, as this will reduce resistance and increase their willingness to seek assistance. Support options can include counselling, family therapy and a support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step recovery model of Alcoholics Anonymous.