Gambling is wagering something of value on an event involving chance, such as playing cards or buying a scratchcard, with the aim of winning money. It is often seen as a way to pass the time and can be a fun social activity, or an opportunity to get a quick thrill. However, gambling can also cause harm to health and wellbeing, interfere with work or study and ruin relationships. It can even lead to debt, homelessness and suicide. It is important to be aware of the risks of gambling and what to do if you have concerns about someone you know.
The term ‘gambling’ encompasses several types of activities, including:
Card games: such as bridge, poker and blackjack. Fruit machines and video-draw poker machines: such as two-up and slot machines. Other casino-type games: such as roulette, baccarat and pai gow poker. Betting: including horse and greyhound racing, football accumulators and other sports events. Other forms of betting: such as the lottery, instant scratch cards and raffles. Speculation: such as betting on business, insurance or the stock markets.
It is possible to win money gambling, but it is usually a matter of luck rather than skill. Nevertheless, there are some strategies that can help you maximise your chances of winning. For example, it is worth trying to avoid games with the highest house edge and using a betting strategy that takes advantage of favourable odds. It is also advisable to only gamble with disposable income, not money that needs to be saved for essentials such as bills and rent. It might also be helpful to divide up your disposable money into separate envelopes for each day of your gambling trip – that way you can avoid dipping into the money that is supposed to be used for food and utilities.
Why do people gamble?
Many people gamble for social reasons, such as with friends or family, or because they enjoy the thought of what they might do if they won the jackpot. Others do it for financial reasons, to make money, or because they enjoy the feeling of being in a casino. For some, it is simply a habit.
The psychiatric community used to consider pathological gambling a compulsion, but in the 1980s, while updating its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it moved this condition into the category of addictive disorders, alongside kleptomania, pyromania and trichotillomania (hair pulling). It is now considered an impulse control disorder, and the same principles that apply to other addictions are applied here. It can still be difficult to recognise problem gambling, and some people try to minimise it by hiding their gambling or lying about it. However, there are organisations that can provide support, advice and counselling to people who are concerned about their gambling behaviour, or the gambling behaviour of a friend or relative. It is also a good idea to educate yourself about the effective treatments available, so that you can talk to someone with confidence.