Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event that is primarily based on chance for the prospect of winning a greater amount of money. In contrast, the process of insurance (in which risk is transferred to another party) is not considered gambling as it involves a positive expected value for those who pay premiums.<\/p>\n
While most adults and adolescents gamble without significant problems, a small percentage of people become addicted to gambling. This type of gambling is defined as a gambling disorder, which is recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition).<\/p>\n
People who gamble compulsively often exhibit a variety of symptoms that include: \u2013 secretive about their gambling, hiding money or lying to family members or therapists; \u2013 feeling compelled to place more and more bets in an attempt to win back their losses (\u201cchasing\u201d their losses); \u2013 lying to others to conceal the extent to which they are involved with gambling; \u2013 putting undue emphasis on winning. Those who have underlying mood disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety) may also develop a gambling problem or find it difficult to stop.<\/p>\n
Young people are particularly vulnerable to developing a gambling problem, as they may start gambling at a relatively early age (e.g. at school) and their brains may not have fully matured by the age of 25. These individuals can struggle with impulse control and are more likely to engage in reckless behaviors, such as drinking and betting excessively at casinos, than older adults.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event that is primarily based on chance for the prospect of winning a greater amount of money. In contrast, the process of insurance (in which risk is transferred to another party) is not considered gambling as it involves a positive expected value for those who […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1599","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n