What Is Gambling?
Gambling involves the risking of something of value (money or property) on an event whose outcome is determined at least partly by chance. Gambling can occur in a number of ways, including playing games like poker or blackjack, placing bets on sports events, and putting money into stock markets. The term “gambling disorder” has been used to describe a range of gambling behaviors that may lead to serious problems for some individuals. It includes everything from behavior that places a person at high risk for developing more serious problems (subclinical) to the type of behavior described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) diagnosable as pathological gambling.
Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of race, age, socioeconomic status or level of education. The onset of problem gambling can be very rapid and can be triggered by a number of different factors including family history, environment, genetics and medical conditions.
People can become addicted to gambling from all types of activities, including lotteries, casino games (e.g., slot machines), and even online betting and sports gambling. In addition to being addictive, gambling can also damage a person’s health and relationships, cause them to miss work or school, and leave them in serious debt. Problem gambling can also result in criminal activity, such as stealing to finance gambling, and can lead to homelessness.
If you have a problem with gambling, it is important to seek help. Many treatment centers and support groups are available to help you overcome your addiction, as well as inpatient and residential rehabilitation programs. These programs are often best for individuals with severe gambling problems who cannot control their gambling habits without round-the-clock help and supervision.
To be considered gambling, there must be a wager on an event of uncertain results and the opportunity to win a prize. There are some activities that do not qualify as gambling, such as taking a chance on a coin toss or a roll of dice. However, if there is a substantial amount of money or other items of value at stake, these activities are generally considered to be gambling.
Gambling is generally illegal, but the penalties vary depending on the state and the nature of the offense. A conviction for misdemeanor gambling can lead to jail time and fines. Conviction for felony gambling is often punishable by a year or more in prison and large fines.
If you are concerned that a loved one has a gambling problem, reach out for help. Family therapy and marriage, career or credit counseling can address the issues that are contributing to the gambling problem and lay the foundation for recovery. You can also take steps to limit access to credit cards and other sources of funds for gambling, and set boundaries around money management. This can help reduce impulsive urges to gamble and make sure that gambling does not interfere with the household budget or your financial stability. It can also be helpful to talk with other family members who have dealt with similar issues.