Gambling Addiction
A common pastime for many adults, gambling involves placing a bet on the outcome of a game or event. Although most people gamble occasionally, for a small group of individuals the activity becomes an addiction with negative personal, family and financial consequences. If you’re concerned that someone close to you is gambling too much, it’s important to have a conversation with them about it. While it can be difficult to bring up the topic of their gambling, it’s important to do so sensitively and without judgement. It’s also helpful to offer non-confrontational ways for them to get help such as self-help tools and peer support or gambling treatment.
There are various reasons why a person may become addicted to gambling. The traditional explanation, by psychologists and psychiatrists, is that pathological gambling is caused by certain personal psychological factors. However, the fact that pathological gambling as a problem only emerged in the 1970s suggests that other factors must have contributed to its growth during this time. These may include technological advancements, new modes of communication, and increased media coverage.
Gambling companies make money by taking a fixed percentage of all bets placed. The more money you bet, the higher their profits. This is often referred to as the “house edge”. The house edge is the amount of money that the casino has to make in order to stay in business. Fortunately, this advantage can be minimised by betting on games with low house edges.
In addition, the introduction of a casino can have a positive impact on the local economy. It boosts tourism and leads to job creation in the gaming industry. However, some of the benefits of a casino are offset by costs, such as higher taxes, inflation, and increases in rents and operating costs for retail businesses. It can also lead to a decrease in the quality of public services such as police, health, education, and social welfare.
It’s important to remember that gambling is entertainment, not income. In order to minimise your losses, it’s a good idea to set a budget for how much you can afford to spend and only bet with money that you can afford to lose. It’s also important to stick to your budget and not try to win back your losses, as chasing your losses can increase your losses and negatively affect your life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. Speak to a trusted friend or family member, find out more about gambling treatment or use our free online self-assessment and support tool. If you feel uncomfortable talking to someone directly, our GamCare helpline can connect you with a trained volunteer. They can provide non-judgemental, confidential support over the phone, via email or text message. They can also give you information on gambling support services in your area.
