Gambling is the act of betting something of value (money, property, or other valuables) on an uncertain event whose outcome is determined by chance and carries some risk. A gambler hopes to win something of greater value than the amount wagered, but he or she also knows that there is a high probability of losing. It is not uncommon for people to have difficulty identifying or controlling the urge to gamble. When this occurs, it is called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling disorder.
In the past, researchers and clinicians have framed issues related to gambling in many different ways, depending on their disciplinary background, experience, and special interests. The result is a wide range of nomenclature that has created confusion and sparked controversy. This article attempts to clarify and simplify the definition of gambling so that researchers, psychiatrists, other treatment care clinicians, and others interested in gambling can communicate effectively.
The simplest definition of gambling is the wagering of money or other valuables on an event whose outcome is determined by chance and has a negative expected value. The term “gambling” also encompasses the use of skills that can improve the chances of winning, such as in skill-based games or in activities where the outcome is determined by a combination of random and nonrandom factors, such as a horse race.
A person’s motivation to gamble is complex and involves multiple components, including sensation-and novelty-seeking, arousal, and negative emotionality. Some research suggests that impulsiveness and lack of impulse control are important risk factors in the development of problem gambling. Other studies have found that the presence of certain psychiatric disorders is associated with problematic gambling behavior.
People with these disorders may need help controlling their urges to gamble and repairing their relationships and finances. A variety of services are available to those who have gambling problems, including support groups and individual therapy. Some of these services provide education about gambling and its risks, while others focus on family therapy and financial management.
There are many ways to reduce the temptation to gamble, such as setting limits on time and money spent gambling and only using cash for wagering. It is also important to avoid thinking of gambling as a way to make money. This type of thinking can lead to the “gambler’s fallacy,” the belief that a lost bet will be won by taking even more money out of the game.
It is important for family members of those with a gambling problem to seek professional help when needed. A therapist can teach the family how to respond to their loved one’s requests for money, such as by asking them to stop gambling for a while or by refusing to finance their bets. The therapist can also help the family set boundaries around gambling and help them avoid credit and debit cards. If necessary, the therapist can recommend marriage, career, and family therapy to help address other issues that may be contributing to the gambling disorder.