Gambling and Its Consequences
Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event with the intent of winning something else of value. The event could be anything from a football match to a scratchcard, and the odds are the probability of winning or losing. While skill and knowledge may play a role in some forms of gambling, the primary factor is a desire to win. Despite the risks associated with gambling, it is a popular and legal activity in many countries. However, some people struggle with a gambling disorder and have problems that affect their life and relationships. Symptoms of a gambling disorder include secretive behaviour, lying about the amount of money being gambled and hiding evidence of betting. Other signs of a problem are an inability to stop gambling, repeated attempts to cut back on gambling and increasing bet sizes in a bid to make up for previous losses.
In recent years, the understanding of gambling and its consequences has changed dramatically. Previously, individuals who had negative consequences from their gambling were seen as ‘gambling addicts’. This view was reflected in, and reinforced by, the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association between 1980 and 1994. It was based on the notion that pathological gambling is similar to substance dependence. The criteria used to diagnose pathological gambling were copied from DSM definitions of substance abuse and dependency.
Today, most clinicians and self-help treatment providers no longer use the term ‘gambling addiction’. Instead, they argue that pathological gambling is a psychological disorder. This change has been influenced by the work of researchers, psychiatrists and other treatment care professionals, and by changes in society, the economy and politics.
Several models and theories of pathological gambling have been developed. These range from behavioral-environmental reasons, a general theory of addictions and the reward deficiency syndrome to moral models and a biopsychosocial model.
There is a large number of organisations that provide support, assistance and counselling to help individuals with gambling issues. These services can help individuals to control their gambling or to stop gambling altogether. They also offer therapy for other conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety that may be triggered or made worse by gambling. They can also assist with repairing relationships and finances that have been damaged by gambling. In addition, some organisations provide family, marriage and career counseling. The aim of these services is to help individuals deal with the specific problems caused by gambling and build a better future.
Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event with the intent of winning something else of value. The event could be anything from a football match to a scratchcard, and the odds are the probability of winning or losing. While skill and knowledge may play a role in some forms of gambling,…