Gambling involves risking something of value on an event whose outcome is determined by chance, such as the roll of a dice or spin of a roulette wheel. It is often considered to be a fun and exciting activity that can provide people with a sense of adventure and a rush when they win money. However, for some people it can be extremely addictive and cause them to lose control of their finances, their families and their lives.
In addition to financial losses, gambling can affect people’s physical health, their relationships and performance at work or school, and can lead to serious debt and even homelessness. It can also have a negative impact on the health of their family and friends. People who work in casinos or betting shops are especially at risk of developing a gambling addiction.
Despite its popularity, there is a growing awareness that gambling is an addictive activity. It is estimated that between two and 20 million Americans have a gambling problem. In order to develop a gambling disorder, an individual must have a preexisting psychological condition or a biological vulnerability.
Some people may feel a need to gamble in secret because they think that other people won’t understand them or they will surprise others with a big win. Other signs of a gambling problem include lying to family members, therapists, or other treatment providers about the extent of one’s involvement with gambling; a feeling that gambling is necessary in order to cope with problems in life; and a tendency to engage in illegal acts (e.g., forgery, fraud, theft, embezzlement) in order to finance gambling.
Many individuals have a misperception of the risks associated with gambling and are unaware that the odds are always against them. They may believe that gambling is a low-risk, high-reward entertainment choice because it is portrayed as such in the media. They also may have a false sense of excitement when they gamble, and the feeling is enhanced when they are winning.
In addition to therapy, some people find success in overcoming their gambling problems by joining a support group. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step recovery program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous that offers guidance and support to people with gambling addictions. Other treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help gamblers learn to confront irrational beliefs, such as the notion that a series of losses will soon turn into a win, or that a near miss on a slot machine (e.g., two out of three cherries) signals an imminent jackpot. People with gambling addictions can also benefit from learning how to better manage their money, including limiting their spending and keeping a limited amount of cash on them at all times. Putting their allotted gambling money in separate envelopes for each day of the week, for example, can make them more conscious about how much they are spending. They can also limit their access to credit cards and online gambling sites.