Gambling is a form of entertainment that many people enjoy, but for some it can be problematic. Problem gambling, or pathological gambling, is a recognized mental health disorder and is characterized by compulsive urges to gamble. It affects an individual’s ability to control their gambling behaviour, leading to a negative impact on their personal and professional life. Read on to learn more about the root causes of gambling addiction and how to recognise the signs of problem gambling in yourself or a loved one.
While it is true that gambling does involve risk, and there is a possibility that the gambler could lose money, it is also a fact that gambling provides pleasure. The act of throwing a dice or pulling a lever on a slot machine activates the brain’s reward system, and triggers the release of dopamine. This gives the individual a temporary feeling of euphoria. It is this dopamine rush that leads some individuals to gamble excessively, despite the risk of losing money.
For some individuals, gambling becomes more than a source of entertainment, it is a way to fulfil certain unmet needs. For example, those who experience a lack of self-esteem or a sense of belonging may use gambling as a means to feel more a part of a community and to gain recognition. Casinos are often designed to promote this idea of community and status, with bright lighting, colour schemes and the clanging of coins as they fall into collection bins.
In addition, it is not uncommon for those who have a gambling problem to become superstitious, believing that the outcome of a game will be determined by their luck. The truth is that the outcome of any gambling game will be determined by chance, and it is not possible to manipulate the results.
The key to controlling your gambling is ensuring that it does not interfere with or take the place of other activities that you find enjoyable. It is also a good idea to only gamble with disposable income, and not money that you need to save or use for bills or rent. You should also set a time limit for gambling and stop when that time is up, regardless of whether you are winning or losing.
If you find yourself thinking about gambling all the time or constantly feeling the need to bet more money, you should seek help and advice immediately. Some people who have a gambling problem find it hard to admit that their habit is causing harm and might try to hide evidence of their gambling activity, or even lie about how much money they have spent. This is called chasing losses and is not a healthy way to manage your finances. It is important to remember that your chances of winning will not increase with each loss, this is known as the gambler’s fallacy. For more helpful information regarding gambling and mental health, you can visit our Safeguarding Courses page to see the courses we offer.