Gambling is a widespread activity and worldwide turnover from legal gambling operations alone exceeds $10 trillion per year (though the amount of illegally wagered may be significantly higher). It involves the risk of losing money on uncertain outcomes, usually by betting on events that are out of one’s control. It can result in personal, family and financial problems. It is also a major source of addiction and can be very hard to overcome. People with gambling problems may benefit from counseling and treatment, including individual and group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and marriage, career and credit counseling.
Gambling can take many forms, from playing cards with friends in a private setting to placing a bet on a sports event with a bookmaker. The latter is often considered the most significant form of gambling. It is typically regulated by governments and influenced by consumer demand. The game of chance is appealing to many people because the outcome is uncertain, and as humans we are wired for taking risks.
It is also an attractive activity for a small number of people who become seriously involved in it to the point of addiction. These individuals continue to gamble despite substantial and negative personal, family, social, and financial effects. They may engage in dangerous gambling activities such as betting on high-risk horse races, participating in organized football pools, or purchasing lottery tickets.
Some people develop a gambling problem due to genetic predisposition, family history, and environment. Others develop a gambling problem as the result of traumatic life experiences, such as depression, divorce, or job loss. In addition, gambling is a common form of entertainment among societal idlers who otherwise might engage in criminal activities like theft, assault, and robbery. Casinos cater to these types of patrons and foster feelings of status and specialness in their guests.
While it is important to recognize and identify a gambling problem, it is equally important to understand why some people become addicted to it. Working in the field of gambling addiction treatment, I have learned that there are many different factors which contribute to a person developing a problematic gambling pattern. These include the desire to repeat an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity, a poor understanding of random events, use of escape coping, and stressful life experiences.
In the United States, most people convicted of gambling-related offenses receive a probation sentence rather than jail time. Probation terms range from a few months to up to a year, and they are often accompanied by a requirement to participate in a gambling addiction treatment program. A few states have statutes that classify gambling as a misdemeanor or felony, with varying penalties. These laws can require a jail term or fines, but they do not prevent a person from getting help for their gambling problem in community-based programs and residential facilities. In addition, some gambling addiction treatment providers offer financial counseling, helping a person manage their debt and learn to be responsible with their finances.