Gambling is a popular pastime for many people and, in general, is not considered a problem if it’s done in moderation. However, for some individuals it can be extremely dangerous and can even lead to gambling addiction. In this article, we will explore the different reasons why people gamble and what can cause someone to develop a gambling problem. We will also look at the ways in which a person can be helped to break free from this addictive behaviour.
Gambling involves wagering something of value – usually money – on an event that relies on chance, where skill and knowledge are discounted. This can be done in a number of ways, including placing bets on sports events, playing casino games or online gambling. People can gamble for a variety of reasons, including socialising, mental development and the thrill of winning.
It is thought that gambling began in ancient China. Tiles were found dating back to 2,300 B.C. which appeared to be a rudimentary version of a game of chance. Nowadays, the majority of gambling activities are conducted in casinos and betting exchanges where people place wagers with other individuals, with the casino or exchange taking a small percentage of each bet. Whether you’re placing a bet on a football match, scratchcard or video poker game, the basic principles remain the same. During the course of a wager, a player places their bet against an established ‘odds’ which are determined by the bookmaker or other gambling establishment.
The odds are calculated by comparing the likelihood of winning against the probability of losing, and then determining how much money a person can win or lose depending on their bet amount and the outcome of the wager. In general, the higher the odds of winning, the greater the payout will be. While this may sound straightforward enough, it can be difficult to predict accurately which outcomes will result in a win. For this reason, the odds are set at a level that is high enough to attract bettors but not so high that it becomes unprofitable for the operator to operate.
In addition, repeated exposure to gambling can change how the brain responds to loss and gain. For example, in people with a gambling problem, the release of dopamine associated with winning is activated as often or more so than when they’re losing. This can mean that they’re more likely to keep gambling after a loss, in the hope that they’ll hit it big next time – a phenomenon known as chasing losses.
This change in thinking has led to some psychiatrists redefining compulsive gambling as an addiction. They have also found that medication and therapy used to treat substance addictions work much better for pathological gambling than strategies for taming impulse control disorders such as trichotillomania. For this reason, it’s important to seek help if you suspect you or someone you know is developing a gambling problem. There are many centres around the world that can offer advice and support to individuals experiencing problems with gambling.
