Gambling is an activity that involves placing a bet or wager with money or other assets. It can be conducted legally or illegally. It can be done at a casino, on the internet or by purchasing lottery tickets or sports event bets. It is an important industry and it contributes to the economy in many ways. However, it can also be harmful if it is not controlled. Problem gambling can lead to financial difficulties and can have a negative impact on mental health. It can also impact relationships with family and friends. There are a number of warning signs that can indicate if someone has a gambling problem. These include a desire to gamble, lying about gambling, spending more and more money than they can afford, missing social engagements, changing sleeping patterns, increased feelings of anxiety or depression, changes in appetite and suicidal thoughts. Those who are worried about their gambling should contact the National Gambling Helpline for confidential advice and support.
It is estimated that around half of the UK population takes part in some form of gambling. For some people this is an enjoyable pastime, but for others it can have a serious detrimental effect on their physical and mental health, personal and professional relationships, and their performance at work or study. It can even get them into trouble with the law and leave them in serious debt or homeless. Problem gambling can affect not only the person who is addicted but their families, friends and co-workers as well. It is believed that over 400 suicides a year are associated with problem gambling.
There are a variety of factors that can influence problematic gambling, including genetics, environment, comorbidities, and the presence of other addictions. In addition, research suggests that the brain’s natural reward system can be stimulated by gambling in much the same way as it would be by a drug.
For some, a sense of achievement and excitement is obtained from the thrill of winning. In addition, a feel-good neurotransmitter known as dopamine is produced during gambling activities, which increases a player’s happiness levels. This is why some people find it hard to stop gambling once they have begun.
Some people may have a gambling addiction without realising it. It can often be hidden behind other behaviours, such as spending time with friends or being active in the community. It can be difficult to recognise a gambling problem in yourself, especially if it has resulted in strained or broken relationships, a loss of employment and/or a poorer standard of living.
Those who have a problem with gambling should consider talking to their GP who will be able to refer them for support. This might be in the form of programs to help prevent gambling problems, tools to assess risk and self-exclusion schemes where the individual can request to exclude themselves from a particular gambling company. This is usually for between six months and five years and can be arranged by speaking to a member of staff at a casino or by using online multi-operator self-exclusion sites.