Gambling and Its Dangerous Consequences

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Gambling involves placing something of value, such as money, on an event with a chance of winning a larger prize. It includes activities such as bingo, games of skill (like shooting a basketball into a basket), slots, video poker, scratch-off tickets, horse racing, dice, and other forms of recreational gambling.

People gamble for many reasons, including entertainment, socializing with friends, and stress relief. It is possible for individuals to become involved in gambling behaviors that have adverse personal, family, and financial consequences. These behaviors are described as disordered gambling. Disordered gambling can range from behavior that is subclinical and at risk for becoming pathological gambling to those behaviors that meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria for pathological gambling.

Some people are compelled to continue gambling even in the face of significant negative effects, and this behavior is referred to as problem gambling. Problem gambling may also be referred to as compulsive or addictive gambling. There are a variety of different perspectives on the causes and characteristics of disordered gambling, including cognitive distortions, poor judgment, mental illness, and moral turpitude.

A person who experiences a problem with gambling can be helped by recognizing the symptoms, seeking help and implementing changes. For example, if a person feels they are constantly trying to recoup lost funds by chasing losses, it is important to stop this behavior. Additionally, it is helpful to develop healthier and more effective coping strategies, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, and practicing relaxation techniques.