Gambling Addiction

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Gambling involves wagering something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome. This includes all forms of gaming, from lottery tickets to fantasy sports teams to slot machines. Although some people enjoy gambling and it can provide them with entertainment, a small group becomes too involved and continues gambling despite having substantial and negative personal, family, social, and financial effects.

The act of gambling can lead to addiction, a mental health disorder. A person suffering from problem gambling displays one or more of the following symptoms:

They have difficulty controlling their spending. They often experience mood swings (depression, anxiety, or anger). They feel compelled to gamble even when they are not experiencing any positive emotions. They lie to family members, friends, and therapists to conceal the extent of their involvement with gambling. They may engage in illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, and embezzlement to fund gambling. They frequently return to a game in order to get even (“chasing” their losses). They may also become obsessed with winning at any cost.

Although many people are aware that they will not win every time, there is a tendency to underestimate the odds of winning. This is because the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes excitement. While this is a normal response, it can be dangerous when someone is addicted to gambling. Unlike taxes on cigarettes, state and local governments do not use revenue from gambling to discourage its usage. Rather, gambling tax revenues are often used to promote tourism, hospitality, and infrastructure enhancement.