Causes of Gambling Disorders
Gambling is the wagering of something of value, with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on a random event. It includes all games of chance or skill, such as lottery, sports betting, casino games, and card games. Gambling involves an element of consideration, risk and a prize (Christensen & Patsdaughter, 2000).
Despite the fact that gambling is addictive, most people enjoy it at some point in their lives. However, about 5% of those who start gambling go on to develop a gambling disorder. This disorder is characterized by persistent, recurrent problems with gambling that result in distress and impairment in everyday life. Vulnerability to gambling is higher among young people, particularly boys and men. People with low incomes may also be more susceptible to developing a gambling disorder as they have the most to lose if they continue to gamble.
Although the specific causes of gambling disorders vary, many factors have been identified that contribute to their development. These include: the expectation of an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity, a poor understanding of random events, use of escape coping, and stressful life experiences. Those with a gambling disorder often find it hard to stop gambling even when they are losing money.
Another cause of gambling disorder is an inability to deal with feelings of anxiety and depression. This can be related to a lack of social support, family conflict, or a history of childhood abuse and neglect. It is also common for those who have a gambling disorder to lie to friends, relatives, and therapists to conceal their involvement in gambling. Some problem gamblers have even gone so far as to steal from their families or commit other illegal acts to fund their gambling.
One of the major issues with gambling is that it can be extremely addictive and lead to severe financial problems. Many casinos depend on the income from gambling to pay for their operations. Therefore, it is important for anyone who has a gambling addiction to be aware of this and take steps to protect themselves. This can be done by setting boundaries in managing money; taking control of family finances; and reviewing bank and credit card statements.
It is also important to remember that gambling is a form of entertainment and should be enjoyed as such. This means that while you are at the casino, don’t drink too many free cocktails and don’t be reckless with your bets. It is also a good idea to tip your dealer regularly, either by handing them a chip and clearly saying “This is for you” or placing a bet for them. If you do this, it will keep them from getting into trouble and having to pay for their mistake! This will also help you to have a much better time at the casino.
