Gambling involves risking something of value on the outcome of an event – like betting on a horse race, buying a lottery ticket or playing poker. In some cases, it’s done to win money, but for others, gambling is an addictive habit that can lead to debt, bankruptcy and even suicide. Whether you’re an avid gambler or someone who’s worried about your own gambling habits, there are resources available to help you manage your behavior and stop it from getting out of control.
Gambling is a global activity, and there are many different types of gambling. A popular form is playing card games, which involve a wager of money or chips and are often played for social interaction. People also place bets on sports events or horse races, as well as video games and online casino gambling. These activities are often classified as gambling if they have some of the characteristics of pathological gambling, such as compulsiveness and impulsivity.
Some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviors and impulsivity, while others may be influenced by their environment or culture. Some people also have brain regions that process reward information differently and make it harder to control impulses.
There are many reasons people start to gamble, including a desire for an adrenaline rush, the chance of winning big money and escaping worries or stress. For some, it becomes a habit that they can’t break. They may continue to gamble even after they’ve spent all their money and begin to chase losses, thinking they’re due for a lucky streak that will allow them to recoup their losses. This is known as the “gambler’s fallacy.”
In addition to mental health issues, some people have mood disorders that can trigger or be made worse by gambling, such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. These conditions can also interfere with a person’s ability to think clearly and make responsible decisions about their finances.
While the majority of people who engage in gambling are not at risk for addiction, there are about 2.5 million Americans (1%) who meet the criteria for having a severe problem with their gambling. In addition, an estimated 5-8 million people in the United States have mild gambling problems.
If you have trouble controlling your urges to gamble, remove the temptations by removing gambling apps from your phone and computer and deleting auto-fill information (like your credit card number) from your browser. Also, try to avoid places and situations that trigger you to gamble. You can also find healthy, low-risk alternatives to fill the time and energy you used to spend on gambling, such as exercising or visiting with friends. If you have family or friends who encourage gambling, try to set boundaries with them. If you’re trying to quit, let them know and have a plan for how you will deal with them in the future if they suggest gambling. You can also learn to recognize emotional triggers that might lead you to make a bet, such as anger or fear.