Gambling is the risking of something of value on an event that involves chance or skill and where the outcomes are unpredictable. This activity may take many forms including betting on sports, playing casino games (e.g., slots), fantasy leagues, DIY investing and scratch cards. It can be a way to relieve unpleasant feelings like loneliness or boredom or a way to unwind after a stressful day, but gambling can also lead to negative consequences that impact the person’s health and relationships.
It can lead to financial difficulties such as debt, bankruptcy and homelessness. It can also affect a person’s work performance, their social life and their ability to maintain healthy living habits. Gambling can also increase depression and suicidal thoughts.
Unlike alcohol, where the problem is clearly defined and described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), gambling addiction can be difficult to recognize and treat. This is mainly due to the fact that research scientists, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians, and the public frame the discussion about gambling and problems in different ways based on their disciplinary training, world views and special interests.
For example, it is common for people to gamble in secret and lie about how much they are spending in a bid to keep their addiction hidden. It is also common for people to use gambling as a way to self-soothe unpleasant emotions, unwind after a difficult day or to socialize with friends and family. However, there are healthier and more effective ways to relieve unpleasant emotions, such as exercise, talking to a friend who does not gamble or practicing relaxation techniques.