Gambling involves risking something of value (money, goods or services) on the outcome of a game of chance. This can happen in casinos, on sports events, at home with friends or in online betting sites. Gambling is a form of entertainment and can offer a short-term rush from winning, but it can also cause serious problems.
A gambling addiction is a mental health issue and can have devastating consequences for a person’s family, work, relationships and well-being. It affects the reward centres in the brain, which are responsible for feelings of pleasure and rewards. The good news is that people with a gambling disorder can learn to change their behaviours.
Often, the first step in treating a gambling disorder is to recognise that there is a problem. This can be difficult because people who gamble may feel that they are not immoral or that it is a ‘right’ thing to do. They may also find it hard to admit that they have a problem because of the cultural views and values they are exposed to.
Gambling has impacts at the personal, interpersonal and community/society levels. These impacts include financial changes, labor changes, and health and well-being changes. Examples of these changes include financial strain on a gambler’s family, loss of employment or bankruptcy. It is important to understand these impacts, especially when dealing with loved ones who are struggling with gambling addiction.