Gambling is the betting or staking of something of value (like money) with consciousness of risk and hope of gain on the outcome of a game, a contest, or an uncertain event. It is a common activity that can be done in many ways, including through lottery, sports betting, casino games, card games, online gaming, and more. While most people who gamble do so without a problem, a subset of individuals develop a gambling disorder, which is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as an uncontrollable urge to gamble that causes significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
Harmful Gambling: Defined Clearly
A clear definition of gambling helps researchers and policymakers understand the extent of harm that may occur from gambling. It allows for legal regulations that protect consumers and ensure fairness, and it is a critical component of responsible gambling measures.
Defining gambling also allows for an accurate assessment of its economic contribution to society, such as job creation and tax revenue. In addition, a clear definition of gambling is essential for understanding the health and social impacts of the behavior.
The risk of developing a gambling disorder increases with the frequency and intensity of gambling, as well as with personal, family, and cultural influences. In addition, a person’s sensitivity to reward and the ability to control impulses play a role. It is also important to consider the impact of psychological stressors, financial difficulties, and availability of gambling resources.
Some groups are more susceptible to gambling problems, particularly those who have low incomes and less coping abilities. Those who are addicted to gambling can often divert money from essential consumption spending, and this can lead to problems such as food insecurity and housing instability. In addition, gambling can be a form of escape from daily life stressors, and it may be associated with the formation of social networks.
It is estimated that for every person with a pathological gambling disorder, six others are affected. The risk is particularly high in kinship cultures, such as among Indigenous peoples, where gambling can be considered an important part of social interaction. In a few cases, people with pathological gambling have been identified as requiring treatment for substance abuse or dependence. However, the similarities between pathological gambling and substance use are largely theoretical and based on observational studies of persons in treatment. Therefore, the American Psychiatric Association continues to not classify pathological gambling as a mental illness. However, it is important to note that a growing body of research suggests that pathological gambling shares many of the same features as other addictive disorders. In the future, a more thorough comparison of the similarities and differences between these disorders will be necessary.
