The Dangers of Gambling

Gambling involves risking something of value on an event that is at least partly determined by chance with the hope of realizing a profit. It has existed in virtually every society since prerecorded history and is incorporated into many local customs, rituals, and rites of passage. Whether it is considered harmful or not, it is an important part of the economy and culture in most countries.

Harmful gambling can result in problems for the individual, family, and community. It may contribute to relationship breakdown, financial distress, stigma, crime (theft and fraud), neglect of children, erosion of civil institutions via corruption and corporate political activity, and is a common way to launder money obtained through illegal activities.

Problem gamblers often experience severe depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In addition, they are at high risk of substance use disorders and suicidal thoughts. They are also at increased risk for committing crimes such as fraud, forgery, and embezzlement to support their gambling habit.

Unlike most other types of addiction, which are often triggered by a chemical imbalance in the brain, pathological gambling is largely a behavioral disorder that is caused by a combination of environmental and psychological factors. The urge to gamble activates a reward center in the brain, which releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that creates feelings of excitement and pleasure. While this neurotransmitter is usually produced in response to winning, it can also be triggered by losing.

As with other psychological disorders, the concept of pathological gambling has undergone considerable change. In the past, individuals who experienced adverse consequences from gambling were viewed as having gambling problems; today, it is more commonly recognized that they have psychopathological disorders. This change is reflected in the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.

When most people think of gambling, they envision casino games or slot machines. However, there are many other forms of gambling that do not involve large sums of money. Playing cards with friends in a private setting, betting on sports events or horse races, buying lottery or scratch tickets, or making office pool bets are all examples of gambling.

There is a wide range of harmful gambling behavior, from those behaviors that place individuals at risk for more serious problems (subclinical) to those behaviors that meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) diagnosable criteria for pathological gambling. The diagnosis of pathological gambling requires a detailed evaluation, including a comprehensive history and thorough clinical interview. Until there are standardized instruments with demonstrated psychometric properties, the ability to accurately identify those who are pathological gamblers remains dependent on an investigator’s experience and skill in interpreting the results of such interviews. In the meantime, clinicians should focus on identifying those individuals who are at highest risk for developing pathological gambling and should provide them with appropriate services. Until these issues are resolved, it will be difficult for the field to establish construct validity for the diagnosis of pathological gambling.