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Gambling Disorders

Gambling is the act of placing something of value at risk on a chance event with the potential to win a larger sum of money. While many people think of casinos, racetracks and other venues as places for gambling, it also happens in gas stations, church halls, at sporting events, on the Internet and even in video games for children. Gambling is not just about betting on a game of chance, but it can include any contest where someone puts up some money and hopes to win a prize.

Although most individuals gamble responsibly and enjoy it as a form of entertainment, a small group becomes too involved and is unable to control their gambling behavior. This problem is known as a gambling disorder and can lead to serious family, financial, occupational and personal problems. It is estimated that 2.5 million U.S. adults (1%) meet diagnostic criteria for a gambling disorder, and many others have mild or moderate problem gambling.

The most common reasons for people to gamble are the desire for a change in mood and the dream of winning a big jackpot. In addition, the experience of gambling can trigger feelings of euphoria linked to changes in the brain’s reward system. This can be especially tempting for people with low incomes who have more to gain from a large jackpot than those with higher incomes (Per Binde, 2013).

Those with gambling disorders often have a number of symptoms, including: (1) lying about the amount of money lost to conceal their involvement in gambling; (2) committing illegal acts such as theft or embezzlement to fund gambling; (3) spending more time and money on gambling than intended; (4) thinking that they will “win back” losses by gambling again; (5) putting other important aspects of life at risk to finance gambling; and (6) losing significant relationships, jobs, educational opportunities or careers because of their gambling addiction (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).

It is essential for those who choose to gamble to set limits on the amount of money they will spend, how long they will play and when they will stop. They should avoid the use of credit cards to finance their gambling and try to find healthier ways to relieve unpleasant emotions or boredom, such as exercising, socializing with friends who do not gamble, taking up a new hobby or practicing relaxation techniques. They should also seek help from family, support groups or a treatment program for gambling disorder if they have problems controlling their gambling. It is particularly important for those with gambling disorder to be aware of the high suicide rate among problem gamblers, which can be as high as one in five. This is the highest suicide rate of any other substance or behavioral addiction. This is mainly because gambling is often a hidden addiction that takes place in private settings. This can make it harder to identify and treat. The National Council on Problem Gambling has a list of local referral resources for problem gamblers.