Gambling involves risking something of value on a random event with the hope of winning something else of value. It is a behavior with potential for addiction, and has been linked to a range of negative psychological and social outcomes. In addition, gambling is associated with substantial financial losses and difficulties. As a result, it can lead to bankruptcy and other forms of financial distress, including delinquent debt and unpaid taxes.
Almost everyone has placed some kind of bet, whether it is a lottery ticket, sports wager, or scratchcard. Regardless of the type of game, there are certain elements that all gamblers must take into account: a decision to make a bet, a bet amount, and money to place the bet.
A significant percentage of individuals who engage in gambling eventually develop a problem. In the United States, men are more likely than women to develop a gambling disorder. In addition, young people are particularly vulnerable. Research suggests that adolescents who begin gambling as teenagers have a higher likelihood of developing an addiction.
There is a growing role for the evaluation of patients’ gambling behaviors in primary care settings, and for referral to treatment of those with pathological gambling. A variety of effective treatments exist, including cognitive behavioral therapy and family-based approaches. This article discusses the rationale for considering pathological gambling as an addictive disorder and reviews the evidence regarding its relationship to health risks and benefits.
