The Gambling Problem

Gambling is a form of entertainment that involves placing bets on an outcome. It can involve any type of event, from betting on a football match to playing a scratchcard. There are a number of risks associated with gambling including financial harm, family conflict and mental illness. It can also lead to addiction and be a cause of suicide. The problem is widespread, and gambling is increasingly normalised by new commercial associations with sport and cultural activities. The global economic value of the gambling industry is estimated to be around $700 billion, with much of this generated by smartphone use in low and middle income countries. The economic costs of gambling are borne by families, communities and governments. People who gamble at harmful levels often experience severe harms, including poverty, debt, financial distress, relationship breakdown and suicide. The legacy of gambling-related harm can continue throughout a person’s life and pass on intergenerationally.

Gamblers are usually exposed to marketing and promotional campaigns from gambling operators, which promote the risk-taking, excitement and social interaction that can be associated with their games. However, the research on gambling problems is limited and the evidence base for these claims is incomplete. There are different theories about what causes people to become compulsive gamblers, such as recreational interest, impaired mathematical skills, poor judgment, cognitive distortions and mental illness, and moral turpitude. Different groups, such as researchers, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians, frame their work on gambling in terms of their own disciplinary training, expertise and world view.

Many people think that gambling only relates to betting on horse races or casino games, but in reality it is much more widespread than this. Buying a lottery ticket, using a credit card or taking out a loan are all forms of gambling. Playing a game of poker or fantasy league sports are both forms of gambling, as is purchasing an insurance policy.

A range of methods are available to support those with gambling problems, from universal pre-commitment (requiring people to set binding limits on time and money spent on gambling) and self-exclusion to counselling and medication. Universal systems are most effective, while voluntary schemes tend to have poor uptake. Prevention is the most cost-effective strategy, and includes ending advertising and promotions and reducing access and availability.

In addition, people should not be afraid to talk about their gambling problems with others. This could be a trusted family member, friend or professional counsellor. Trying to suppress the problem can make it worse, so talking about it can help reduce stress and ease the pain of bottling up emotions that may drive people to gamble. Other strategies include avoiding high-risk situations such as the use of credit cards, taking out loans and carrying large amounts of cash; avoiding using gaming venues for socialising and finding other hobbies and recreational activities that aren’t linked to gambling. Developing goals and planning ways to achieve them can also be useful. Ideally, these should be SMART – specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and time-bound.