While most adults and adolescents who gamble do so without problems, a small subset develops gambling disorder that has significant personal, family, social, and financial consequences. Gambling disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with gambling, an inability to control gambling behavior, and significant distress or impairment related to gambling. This behavior is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, as: a person who (i) regularly loses more than they win at gambling; (ii) engages in escapism or fantasy about winning; (iii) tries to make up for losses by committing illegal acts such as forgery, embezzlement, theft, or fraud; and/or (iv) relies on others to provide money to finance their gambling activities.
Despite its many risks, gambling is often considered an enjoyable pastime and has been part of human culture throughout history. It is a popular form of entertainment for people of all ages and is often associated with feelings of pleasure, excitement, and anticipation. However, for some individuals, the thrill of winning and the desire to become wealthy can quickly turn into a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
Gambling can cause serious problems for people of all ages, races, and economic backgrounds. It is important to understand the causes of gambling disorders in order to help those who may be affected by them. While genetics, environment, and medical history play a role in an individual’s ability to develop a gambling problem, there are also many social and psychological factors that can increase the risk of developing an addiction.
The most common reason for gambling is a desire to feel pleasure and euphoria. This is largely due to the heightened dopamine response that occurs when an individual wins or loses. In fact, this dopamine response is similar to the response that happens when an individual takes a drug. This increased dopamine response can be a trigger for gambling addiction.
In addition to the desire to feel pleasure, some individuals gamble as a way to escape from life’s problems and stressors. The media portrays gambling as fun, glamorous, and exciting, which can be appealing to those who are feeling bored or depressed. Furthermore, some individuals who have a lack of belonging in their lives will use gambling to create a sense of community and social connection.
Research has shown that a person’s proximity to gambling establishments increases their likelihood of engaging in gambling behavior. This is likely because of the social and cultural factors previously discussed, as well as a link between proximity to gambling venues and increased levels of financial stress. Interestingly, relationship dissatisfaction is unaffected by proximity to gambling venues, suggesting that it is other factors that lead people to gamble excessively, such as depression and an inability to control their emotions. This is a complex issue that can be challenging to address. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for individuals who have a gambling disorder. These include cognitive behavioural therapy, which explores one’s beliefs about betting and can help reduce harmful gambling behaviours.