The Definition of Harm in Gambling
Gambling involves risking something valuable on an event that is determined at least in part by chance in the hope of winning a prize. Traditionally, this has included betting on sports or other events, but it can also include playing bingo, buying lottery or scratch tickets, and even placing bets at work. Whether the gambler wins or loses, there are often serious consequences. It is therefore important to recognise when gambling becomes harmful and seek help as soon as possible.
Having said that, it can be very difficult to identify that a problem is developing and to stop gambling, especially if the person has been engaging in this activity for a long time. This can cause them to hide their gambling and lie about it, as well as attempt to find other ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as drinking alcohol or taking up new hobbies.
There is a lot of conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of different types of treatment, and it has been suggested that this may be because the interventions are not based on the same underlying assumptions about the etiology of pathological gambling. It is therefore also important to understand the factors that influence and moderate an individual’s participation in gambling, so that we can design more effective treatments.
The definition of harm that was developed by Neal et al is significant in that it clearly delineates harm as an outcome, separating this from related issues such as categorisations of behaviour of gambling, clinical diagnosis and risk factors. This is a useful clarification, given the subjectivity of the concept of harm and the different perspectives from disciplines interested in gambling.
It was agreed that it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of harm, and that this must be at three levels: the individual who experiences the harm, those affected by their behaviour and the broader community. This is important because it allows for an appreciation of the complexities and breadth of harms, and the interactions and inter-relationships between these.
Another important consideration is that it is necessary to have an agreed definition of harm in order to develop and implement effective measures and interventions. This will also allow for the collection of comparable data across jurisdictions. A longitudinal approach is particularly important for this purpose, as it will enable researchers to identify and compare the effects of different policies and interventions over a long period of time.
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s gambling habits, it is essential to get help as early as possible. The first step is to acknowledge that there is a problem, which can be very hard for people with an addiction to admit, especially when it has cost them money and strained or destroyed relationships. Seek out a professional who can provide support and advice, such as a therapist or support group. You can also access free online therapy services, such as Beacon Counselling. These can help you to learn how to deal with cravings and break the cycle of relapse.
Gambling involves risking something valuable on an event that is determined at least in part by chance in the hope of winning a prize. Traditionally, this has included betting on sports or other events, but it can also include playing bingo, buying lottery or scratch tickets, and even placing bets at work. Whether the gambler…