What Are the Risks of Gambling?
Gambling is when people risk something of value (such as money or a prize) on an outcome that involves chance, such as rolling a dice or playing slots. It can be very addictive and lead to problems if you’re not in control of your gambling. People gamble for all sorts of reasons, like getting a thrill from winning, socialising or escaping difficult thoughts and feelings. However, gambling can get out of hand and lead to a range of health risks.
If you have trouble controlling your gambling, or it’s causing you or someone you care about harm, there is help available. It’s important to get help early, before the situation gets worse. There are specialist treatment services for gambling problems, and there’s also support available from charities and the NHS.
A person with a gambling problem may spend more and more time on gambling, and will often avoid important life events or activities. This can have serious consequences for their wellbeing and family relationships. People with severe gambling problems can also be at risk of suicide. If you have suicidal thoughts or feelings, speak to a mental health professional right away.
Despite being a popular pastime, many people don’t realise that gambling is actually a form of addiction. There’s a strong link between gambling and depression, anxiety and stress, so it’s not surprising that people who have these disorders are more likely to develop a gambling problem. In addition, gambling can mask or exacerbate symptoms of other disorders.
It’s not uncommon for friends and family members to be in denial about their loved ones’ gambling issues until they experience a financial crisis, such as having to borrow money to pay bills or losing their home. It’s also not unusual for a person with a gambling problem to commit fraud, theft or embezzlement in order to fund their addiction.
When a person is in debt, they will feel pressure to repay their debts, and this can lead them to gamble more in an attempt to win back the money they’ve lost. This can be very dangerous and, in the worst cases, can lead to a high suicide rate.
Many people with a gambling problem start out by betting small amounts, then bet more and more as they lose control of their money. This can lead to them taking out loans, credit cards or selling their possessions. Some even steal cash from their children or family to fund their gambling habits.
A growing role exists for screening patients with gambling behaviours within primary care settings. This can include assessing for pathological gambling and helping to identify and manage the associated health risks. This includes assessing for underlying conditions, such as substance misuse and depression, that may be contributing to the gambling disorder.