What Is Gambling?
Gambling involves wagering something of value on a random event with the intent of winning something else of value. It includes instances of strategy but excludes games where the outcome is predetermined (such as skill). The term “gambling” applies to the wagering of money or property, including electronic devices and Internet gambling. It also encompasses games of chance, such as dice games and roulette, and group activities that involve placing bets on events such as football games or horse races.
A few studies attempt to measure the social costs and benefits of gambling. Unfortunately, the results are largely region-specific and anecdotal. One study (Ison, 1995a) indicated that 105 gamblers who filed for bankruptcy owed an average of $40,000 in unsecured debt, and another report by the Minnesota Gaming Advisory Board found that such individuals cost their state $228 million annually.
Most research in this area focuses on the negative effects of gambling. In particular, pathological gambling has been compared to substance abuse by many researchers. However, the basis for classifying this behavior as addiction remains uncertain. In fact, the DSM nomenclature does not refer to it as an addiction, and recent research has demonstrated that pathological gambling is more like a mood disorder than a substance use disorder.
If you have a problem with gambling, it is important to seek help. The first step is admitting you have a gambling problem, which can be hard to do, especially if your gambling has caused you financial hardship or strained relationships with family and friends. There are several treatment options available for people with a gambling problem, including self-help groups and support programs such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
