Gambling is the wagering of something of value on a random event that has a potential for gain but also carries a risk of loss. It is an activity with a long history of popularity and social acceptance as well as suppression under the law. It is a major international commercial activity, and governments regulate it and tax it to generate significant revenue.
While most people gamble for fun, a small number become excessively involved to the point that it has negative personal, family, and financial consequences. Pathological gambling, which has been defined by the American Psychiatric Association (2000), is characterized by several features. It is a progressive disorder, and a person often experiences anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts as the condition progresses.
Other symptoms of pathological gambling include preoccupation, lying to friends and family members about the extent of one’s involvement in gambling, attempting to get even after losing money in gambling (chasing losses), and engaging in illegal activities to finance gambling. A number of assessment tools are available to help clinicians screen for gambling problems.
Some people are more vulnerable to developing a gambling problem, such as those with a history of emotional or family difficulties. Other factors may be related to personality, such as an increased risk of addiction for men compared with women and the tendency for individuals to engage in gambling when they are bored or lonely. It is important to identify these underlying issues in order to reduce resistance to treatment and improve outcomes.