Gambling is an activity that involves risking money or material valuables on a random event, such as the roll of a dice or the spin of a roulette wheel. Traditionally, it was considered an immoral and illegal activity, but there has been a recent softening of attitudes towards gambling and a relaxation of laws against it.
It is important to recognise when gambling is causing problems, especially when it starts to affect other parts of your life. This is why it’s important to seek help for your problem gambling or the problem gambling of someone you know. There are many organisations that offer support, assistance and counselling to people who have a gambling disorder.
Although it’s commonly thought that gambling is an addiction based on brain chemistry, the reality is complex and varied. In fact, a combination of psychological and environmental factors contributes to the development of gambling addiction. Some of these factors include an underlying mood disorder such as depression, stress or substance abuse; and other personal and family issues such as lack of self-esteem, poor judgment and financial hardship.
Another contributing factor to gambling addiction may be a person’s biological predisposition, such as an underactive brain reward system. Moreover, certain genetic traits are associated with thrill-seeking behaviours and impulsivity.