Gambling is risking money or something of value to predict the outcome of a game involving chance, such as betting on a football match or buying a scratchcard. The choice made is matched to ‘odds’, such as 5/1 or 2/1, which determine how much you could win (or lose). While gambling is not considered a drug, it does produce the same dopamine response as other drugs and can cause psychological distress.
Research suggests that many people develop a problem with gambling as they become more involved. This may be due to a variety of factors including recreational interest, decreased mathematical skills, impaired judgment, cognitive distortions, mental illness and moral turpitude. It is also thought that gambling can act as a coping strategy for other stressors in life.
The widespread accessibility of gambling products and their marketing contribute to the high incidence of gambling harm, especially in areas of greater disadvantage. Advertising campaigns can exploit ‘dark nudges’, such as a product’s design features, to encourage prolonged use. Similarly, health promotion messages often fail to convey the risks of gambling.
The first step towards stopping or reducing gambling is to create boundaries for yourself. Start by setting a fixed amount of money you’re ready to lose, and stick to it. Put it in an envelope or on your phone before you walk into a casino, and don’t take out more cash than you can comfortably afford to lose. It’s also a good idea to talk about your gambling with someone else, such as a family member, friend or counsellor.
