The Role of Gambling in Primary Care
Gambling is the wagering of something of value (usually money) on a random event with the intention of winning something else of value, such as a prize or an object of sentimental value. There are many forms of gambling, but the most common is betting on sports or games of chance. Typically, the gambler places a bet based on the odds (the chance of winning) and the amount of money to be wagered.
While most people who engage in gambling do so for enjoyment, a small percentage become too seriously involved and continue to gamble despite negative personal, family, and financial effects. The most susceptible groups are people with lower incomes, because they have more to gain with a big win, and young people, particularly boys and men, who are more likely to develop a gambling disorder than women.
A growing role exists in primary care settings for assessing patients’ gambling behaviors and for screening them for pathological gambling. The relative importance of this assessment depends on a patient’s risk factors, including boredom susceptibility, use of escape coping, impulsivity, a poor understanding of random events, and stressful life experiences.
Gambling can provide an opportunity for people to learn and improve their skills in various areas, such as counting, studying patterns, and learning numbers. It can also be a way to socialize with friends and family, which can lead to a sense of relaxation and comfort. People may also play for a sense of competition, or to meet a need for status and belongingness.