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What Causes Gambling Problems?

Gambling is a way of making decisions about money, goods or other things in the hope of winning something. It involves risk, loss and chance, and can involve a variety of activities such as sports betting, horse or greyhound racing, casino games and lotteries. Gambling can be fun and exciting for many people but, for some it can cause problems such as addiction. It is important to understand what causes gambling problems so that you can help your loved one or yourself.

Some people gamble for social reasons, for the thrill of winning or to think about what they would do with a large sum of money. Others use gambling as a form of escape or to relieve boredom, or to cope with stress or depression. This can lead to serious harm for the person involved. The behaviour of someone who is addicted to gambling can become compulsive and difficult to control, resulting in significant financial, family and emotional costs.

Most gambling venues are not one-man shows – they employ a wide range of staff from dealers to odds compilers to marketers and public relations staff. These staff need to be paid and the gambling companies need big cheques to keep going, so they need to create a gambling experience that is enjoyable enough to keep people coming back. This means that the gambling experience is often skewed towards a certain type of gambler and this can affect everyone’s enjoyment.

Various factors can contribute to gambling addiction, including the size of an early win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity and a poor understanding of random events. People who are prone to this problem also tend to use it as an escape from stressful life experiences, which can lead to the cycle of more and more spending and more and more risk-taking.

While it’s not true that all gamblers have a gambling disorder, 5% of those who gamble develop an addiction. This is especially common among young people and men, who are more likely to be exposed to gambling environments. Vulnerability is also higher in those with low incomes, as they have more to lose and a lot more to gain from a big win.

The good news is that gambling is not an impossible addiction to overcome and help is available. There are support groups, therapists and charities that can help. The first step is to recognise the issue and to take action. If you know of someone who is struggling with this, then talk to them and offer to help in any way you can. It is also a good idea to speak to your GP and to contact your local support services, as they can provide information and advice about gambling addiction and treatment. The National Council on Problem Gambling can also provide details of local groups and support services.