Gambling is the wagering of something of value (including money, property, possessions, or life-style) on an event whose outcome is uncertain and that involves some element of chance. It is a common leisure activity that has a significant social and economic impact. For some people, gambling becomes problematic when they do not manage the risk and revert to unhealthy ways of coping with negative feelings such as stress, depression, and anxiety. Problem gambling can cause serious financial and health problems, and has the potential to disrupt the lives of those closest to the gambler.
There is a growing role for primary care physicians to assess and treat patients for their gambling behaviors in light of the fact that this is an increasingly common form of addictive behavior that can be associated with many health risks.2 However, despite the widespread acceptance of gambling as an addictive activity, there is still little understanding of how to identify those at risk for this behavior. There is also a lack of consensus regarding the appropriate assessment tools, and a general misunderstanding of the complexity of the gambling phenomenon.
Several factors may influence the development of harmful gambling behaviors: frequency of exposure, cultural influences, family and peer pressures, biological and psychological processes, and available gambling resources. It is important to establish a clear definition of gambling to better understand the risks and harms.
The phenomenology of gambling varies depending on the game in which individuals engage, but there are some recognizable features that can help to distinguish it from other activities. Most importantly, all games of chance involve a decision to wager something of value on an outcome that is uncertain and that includes some element of chance. These decisions are usually based on an expectation of winning and the desire to avoid losses.
A second feature is the presence of a prize or reward that may be won as a result of making a bet. This prize may be a cash amount, or it may be goods or services. Prizes or rewards can motivate and reinforce gambling behaviors by enhancing pleasure, increasing confidence, and bolstering a sense of control over one’s situation. Moreover, they may be used to cover up the consequences of losing or to distract the individual from feeling shame and guilt.
Finally, all gambling games require a certain amount of capital to participate. This can be in the form of real money or other materials that have a monetary value, such as marbles, Pogs, Magic: The Gathering cards, and even collectible figurines.
Managing your urges to gamble is not easy, but it can be done. A few strategies include avoiding situations where you might feel the need to gamble, making sure you have enough money set aside to gamble, and not spending more than you can afford to lose. It is also important to take steps to reduce the temptation, such as not going to casinos or not visiting online betting sites.
