Gambling is a behavior in which something of value (money, goods, or services) is placed on an uncertain event. It is a widespread international activity and a major source of entertainment and recreation, often taking the form of a game or contest with a set of rules. In addition to monetary bets, gambling can also take the form of wagering on the outcome of events such as sports games, horse races, or political elections. Moreover, gambling can also involve the use of collectible items such as marbles, coins, or trading cards, wherein players make wagers using these objects.
Whether you bet on sports, scratch cards, the lottery, slots, or roulette, gambling can become an unhealthy obsession with serious consequences. It can strain relationships, interfere with work, and cause financial ruin. Moreover, it can trigger mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, and make them worse. And if left unchecked, problem gambling can lead to serious legal and personal problems, such as stealing to gamble or running up huge debts.
While there is a great deal of variation in how people define gambling, most observers agree that it involves a significant element of risk-taking and behavioral disinhibition. However, the relationship between these two variables is complex, and there are a number of alternative theories to explain their association. For example, researchers have suggested that they may be related to a range of other factors including sensation- and novelty-seeking, arousal, negative emotionality, and cognitive distortions.
There are a few things you can do to help yourself if you have a problem with gambling. The first is to build a strong support network. Try spending time with friends who don’t gamble, joining a book club or movie group, taking an educational class, or volunteering for a cause you care about. You can also find peer support through a program like Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step recovery program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous.
The final thing you can do is to practice self-control. When you feel the urge to gamble coming on, do one of the following:
Identify the triggers for your gambling addiction and create a plan to avoid them. For example, you might write down a list of your triggers and then come up with strategies to prevent a gamble from happening, such as calling someone to talk about the issue, setting limits on how much money you will spend, and putting your credit card away. You can also strengthen your willpower by practicing relaxation techniques and visualizing the consequences of gambling. Finally, you can distract yourself by going to a coffee shop or exercising, and you can postpone gambling by telling yourself that you will wait five minutes or 15 minutes or an hour. Eventually, the urge to gamble will pass or will weaken. If you are still unable to resist it, seek professional help. This is especially important if your gambling affects others in your life. Consider family therapy and marriage, career, or credit counseling to address the issues that have been created by your gambling.