What Is Gambling Disorder?
Gambling involves risking something of value on an activity whose outcome is determined by chance in the hope of gaining a profit. Gambling has existed in virtually every society since prerecorded history, and it is often incorporated into local customs and rites of passage. Although most adults gamble occasionally without problems, a significant subset of people develop a gambling disorder.
The disorder can have serious social, financial, and legal consequences for the gambler and their families. It can also contribute to the development of other psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders and depression. Several neurobiological factors, including alterations in brain reward systems and impaired executive functioning, can also lead to gambling disorder.
While most people think of gambling as betting on the outcome of a game of chance, it’s important to remember that almost any kind of bet can be considered a form of gambling. Even activities that seem harmless, such as playing scratch cards or online games, can be classified as gambling if there’s a chance you could win money or other valuable items.
It’s estimated that 2.5 million U.S. adults (1%) meet the diagnostic criteria for a severe gambling problem in a given year. Another 5-8 million people have mild or moderate gambling problems. In addition to affecting their quality of life, these individuals tend to have higher rates of other behavioral problems and health conditions than those who do not have a gambling disorder.
Pathological gambling is a category in the new edition of the DSM, which includes it within a broad category of “substance-related and addictive disorders.” Experts say this category is appropriate because gambling behaviors can trigger reward systems similar to those activated by drugs, and can cause symptoms like drug cravings and addiction. They also argue that the occurrence of these symptoms may increase with the severity and chronicity of the gambling problem.
Regardless of how it’s defined, it’s important to recognize that gambling can be extremely dangerous. For example, it’s been shown that gambling causes the release of dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain that makes us excited when we win. But the brain continues to produce this feeling even when you’re losing, which can make people keep gambling when they should stop.
In many states, it’s illegal to participate in any form of gambling. The penalties vary, but anyone convicted of misdemeanor gambling faces a year in county or city jail (though this depends on state laws). Felony convictions are much more serious and can bring up to 10 years in prison and high fines. Moreover, those convicted of gambling-related offenses are often ordered to undergo a treatment program for gambling disorder. If you know someone who is struggling with gambling issues, talk to them about getting help. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for gambling disorder. Click on the links below to learn more about them. You can also find resources for support and recovery in your community by visiting our Where to Get Help page.
Gambling involves risking something of value on an activity whose outcome is determined by chance in the hope of gaining a profit. Gambling has existed in virtually every society since prerecorded history, and it is often incorporated into local customs and rites of passage. Although most adults gamble occasionally without problems, a significant subset of…