Understanding the Psychology of Gambling
Gambling is betting something of value on an activity that relies heavily on chance in the hope of realizing a profit. It is an activity that has occurred in almost every society since prerecorded history and is incorporated into local customs and rites of passage. It has also been a source of social conflict and disharmony. Many people have developed gambling problems, which are defined by a series of behavioral and psychological symptoms. These include a tendency to exhibit impulsive behaviors, a loss of control over behavior, and an inability to regulate emotions. In addition, some gamblers experience changes in their brain that interfere with impulse control.
Gambling can take many forms, from sports betting to scratch tickets and even online poker. No single form of gambling is inherently more addictive than another. However, some types of gambling may be more problematic than others. It is important to understand how each type of gambling affects a person’s risk of developing a gambling disorder.
There is considerable consensus that a tendency to engage in impulsive behavior is related to gambling problems. Several studies have shown that gamblers tend to display a higher than normal level of impulsiveness. These studies, however, do not provide a clear picture of how different factors, such as sensation-and novelty-seeking, arousal, and negative emotionality, interact to influence a person’s propensity to gamble and the degree of problem gambling.
Other common characteristics of gambling problems are a preoccupation with winning and losing; an inability to resist the lure of a potential jackpot or a large payoff; a compulsion to gamble despite the consequences to one’s finances, relationships, career, or other interests; lying to family members or therapists about one’s involvement in gambling; and relying on forgery, fraud, theft, embezzlement, or illegal activities to finance gambling. Some gamblers may develop gambling problems because of underlying mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Understanding the psychology of gambling is useful when dealing with a loved one who has a gambling problem. Gambling addiction often reflects a number of personal issues, including low self-esteem, depression, and feelings of worthlessness. Additionally, it is a common coping mechanism for people who are experiencing stress and distress. Moreover, many people turn to gambling as a way to satisfy their needs for escapism and thrill.
If you suspect a loved one is addicted to gambling, try to get them to seek help. Speak to a professional about local referral resources for gambling counselors or intensive treatment programs. In the meantime, strengthen your support network and find other ways to meet social needs besides gambling. For example, you could join a book club or other group that doesn’t involve gambling. You can also seek out a peer support program, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous and offers a 12-step recovery process. You can also try to reduce your gambling expenses by setting spending limits, putting someone else in charge of money matters, and closing all online betting accounts.