Gambling is risking something of value (money, property, possessions) on an event that is determined at least in part by chance. The aim is to win something of greater value than the amount risked. It can include playing card games, betting on football or horse races, buying lottery tickets or scratchcards and even placing a bet in office pools. Gambling can also involve activities requiring skill such as poker, blackjack and bridge.
For many people, gambling is a fun and harmless pastime, but for some it can have serious ramifications that lead to debt, financial crisis, family breakdown, mental illness, social isolation and suicide. The legacy of problem gambling can last throughout a person’s life and can be passed on to future generations.
While it has long been viewed as immoral and illegal, the rise of modern technology has led to more people than ever starting to gamble. This includes online gambling, which is not subject to the same legal restrictions as traditional casinos. It is estimated that more than half of adults in the UK engage in some form of gambling. For some, this can be enjoyable and harmless, but for others it can cause significant problems that impact their physical and emotional health, relationships, work or study, can get them into trouble with the law or lead to homelessness and even death.
A variety of factors can lead to a person developing a gambling problem, including genetics, environment, personality and culture. Men are more likely than women to develop a gambling disorder, and young people can be particularly vulnerable to becoming addicted to mobile phone and video games that require micro-transactions and payments. Older people who are lonely or isolated can be at particular risk of developing a gambling disorder.
There are a variety of treatments and support services available to help people with a gambling problem, from family, friends and peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous to professional therapies. Research shows that exercise, relaxation techniques and finding other things to do with your time can help reduce the urge to gamble.
There are a number of population-wide interventions that can help prevent or reduce gambling harm, such as universal pre-commitment (requiring people who gamble to set binding limit on their money spent), self-exclusion (allowing them to ban themselves from gambling providers) and restrictions relating to access, advertising and availability (opening hours, density). These measures are often most effective when combined with education and awareness campaigns.