Gambling
Participating in gambling is an entertaining activity that ranges across a continuum, from lighthearted social gambling—which usually inflicts no harm—to pathological gambling, which results in severe negative consequences for both the gambler and their family. It becomes a concern when it escalates, negatively influencing a person's everyday life, educational or job performance, mental and physical health, relationships, and financial situation. Those grappling with gambling-related difficulties come from all demographics, including various ages, income levels, social backgrounds, genders, and ethnic groups. For a few, issues with gambling can emerge abruptly, while for others, these challenges evolve gradually over a lengthy period.
Casual social gambling
participants engage in this pastime regularly, considering it a key leisure activity, yet it does not overshadow responsibilities related to work, family, and social ties.
Harmful participation:
these individuals face difficulties in their personal, professional, and social aspects due to their gambling behaviors. Such involvement indicates signs of problematic gambling. These players often risk money they cannot afford to lose, overspend on credit, and borrow funds to support further gambling.
Compulsive gambling
players struggle to control their desire to gamble despite the negative consequences it brings. Those in this category are more prone to suicidal thoughts. Examples of compulsive gambling patterns include:
• Needing to wager larger amounts or engage in gambling for longer durations to achieve the same excitement
• Using gambling as an escape from personal challenges or to relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or loneliness
• Steering clear of conversations about gambling or being deceptive to mask it
• Preferring gambling over family gatherings or social events
• Regularly planning vacations around gambling opportunities.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a gambling disorder falls under the category of substance-related and addictive disorders, based on evidence suggesting that gambling behaviors activate the brain's reward systems similarly to drugs. This indicates that the feelings derived from gambling are akin to those experienced from alcohol consumption.
Compulsive gambling
players struggle to control their desire to gamble despite the negative consequences it brings. Those in this category are more prone to suicidal thoughts. Examples of compulsive gambling patterns include:
• Needing to wager larger amounts or engage in gambling for longer durations to achieve the same excitement
• Using gambling as an escape from personal challenges or to relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or loneliness
• Steering clear of conversations about gambling or being deceptive to mask it
• Preferring gambling over family gatherings or social events
• Regularly planning vacations around gambling opportunities.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a gambling disorder falls under the category of substance-related and addictive disorders, based on evidence suggesting that gambling behaviors activate the brain's reward systems similarly to drugs. This indicates that the feelings derived from gambling are akin to those experienced from alcohol consumption.
Numerous types of gambling exist, many of which can be enjoyed both online and in person. These include casino games, lotteries, sports betting, card games, and more. Problem gambling goes beyond mere financial loss; it can disrupt multiple facets of an individual's life. Nearly everyone who develops a gambling problem believes it’s “only a matter of time” before they hit the jackpot. In such situations, individuals may gamble to the extent that it damages their relationships, finances, and health. Even when faced with adverse outcomes, they may refuse to recognize their problem, keep pursuing lost funds, and neglect their commitments to work, loved ones, and their own health. Gambling is increasingly regarded as a significant public health concern with considerable implications for the overall well-being of communities.
Warning signs
The following are some general symptoms that may indicate a potential gambling issue. Each person's experiences are unique, and recognizing one or two signs does not necessarily denote a struggle with gambling. Observing several symptoms simultaneously may point to deeper challenges, and consulting a mental health professional can provide guidance on how to proceed.
• Ignoring family and work responsibilities
• Being untruthful
• Keeping financial matters hidden
• Showing signs of anxiety and/or depression
• Appearing irritable, restless, or distractible
• Frequent quarrels
• Displaying disinterest in other social activities
• Increasing substance use
• Disappearing for extended durations
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, engaging in (or contemplating) illicit activities to acquire funds for gambling
• Feeling a sense of emptiness or loss when not gambling.
Guidelines for responsible gambling engagement:
• Do not perceive gambling as a source of income.
• All gambling establishments, whether online or physical, are designed to extract more money than they distribute, leading to most players incurring losses that create significant rewards for a select few. Many individuals suffering from pathological gambling maintain a belief in their capacity for substantial wins, which intensifies the issue.
• If you choose to gamble for enjoyment, exclusively use funds earmarked for leisure that you can afford to forfeit.
• If you find yourself losing money while gambling, resist the urge to chase those losses by exceeding your predetermined limit, as this typically results in greater losses.
• Set a financial limit in advance and stop playing once that amount is lost.
• Establish a time frame before you begin, and conclude once you reach that limit.
• Avoid gambling during emotionally intense moments, as it becomes especially difficult to make rational decisions when feeling anxious, sad, angry, or distressed.