Gambling and Its Dangerous Effects
People gamble to try to win something of value – often money – in a game of chance. They may use cards, dice, a coin or scratchcard to bet on sports events, horse races, or other random events. The skillful use of strategy can increase the likelihood of winning but the overall odds are still determined by random chance.
The reasons people gamble are complex. For some, gambling provides a sense of excitement and euphoria because it triggers the reward system in the brain. Others might enjoy the social aspect of it or see it as a way to improve their finances. Regardless, gambling can cause serious harm to relationships, health and work and study performance. It can also leave people in debt and even homeless.
Gambling is a form of escapism and many people find it difficult to stop. This is especially true for those who have a genetic predisposition to becoming addicted and because of their impulsivity. In addition, the media portrays gambling as a glamorous, exciting and fun activity.
While most forms of gambling are considered addictive, it is not always clear which ones are more addictive than others. In general, any form of gambling where the outcome is decided by chance carries some risk of addiction. People who experience problems with gambling are often in denial about their condition and are likely to have trouble identifying it in themselves or admitting it to others. In order to be diagnosed with pathological gambling, the person must meet DSM criteria for gambling disorder. These include:
