Gambling involves placing something of value, such as money or property, on an event that is determined in some way by chance. In some cases, skill can be used to improve one’s odds of winning, such as by learning strategy in card games or by studying horses and jockeys in horse races, but the overall result is still a matter of luck. People gamble for a variety of reasons, from the desire to win big to the social rewards of spending time with friends. Many people also gamble because gambling triggers the brain’s reward system, causing feelings of euphoria and excitement.
A significant subset of people who engage in gambling have problems that affect their lives, including financial difficulties and personal relationships. Those who have problems with gambling are sometimes referred to as pathological gamblers. The term “pathological” refers to a person’s distorted thinking and behavior, characterized by repeated unsuccessful attempts to control their gambling. It may involve denial of the problem and distortions in perception, including an unrealistic belief that their chances of winning are greater than they actually are.
Most adults and adolescents engage in some form of gambling. However, it’s important to recognize when a person’s gambling activity becomes problematic. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved medications to treat gambling disorder, but psychotherapy can be helpful. This type of treatment includes a range of techniques that help a person identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. It takes place with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychologist or clinical social worker.
People who have trouble controlling their gambling often report feelings of guilt, shame and hopelessness. They may also try to conceal or hide their gambling behavior from loved ones. There are a number of things that can contribute to problematic gambling, such as stress, coexisting mental illness and personality traits. Some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviors and impulsivity, and may have difficulty processing reward information or inhibiting their impulses. Other factors include family history, age and culture. In addition, some communities view gambling as an acceptable pastime, making it difficult to recognize a problem.