Gambling is the act of risking something of value on an activity that relies primarily on chance in the hope of realizing a profit. The act has existed in virtually every society since prerecorded history and has been incorporated into many local customs and rites of passage. Although the majority of people engage in gambling as a social or recreational activity, a small number become too involved and experience negative personal, family, and financial consequences.
Gambling involves the risking of money or assets on activities based on chance, such as betting on games of chance or horse races. It is often distinguished from insurance, which involves the shifting of risk from one party to another for a financial reward, as well as from investing in the stock market or purchasing lottery tickets. While some individuals gamble to enjoy the rush of winning, others engage in it as a way to alleviate boredom or stress. When gambling becomes problematic, it no longer offers pleasure or relief and begins to feel like a need rather than an option.
Research has shown that pathological gamblers exhibit a variety of cognitive distortions, including elevated confidence and an overestimation of their chances of winning. These factors can contribute to their addiction by keeping them locked into a pattern of behavior that reinforces their false belief that they will eventually win. These distortions also interfere with the ability to control their gambling, causing them to ignore warning signs or lash out at loved ones in an attempt to get back at losses.
Some individuals are secretive about their gambling, lying to friends and family members about their activity or refusing to talk about it at all. This can be a sign of secrecy and denial, as well as a fear that revealing the truth will lead to confrontations or even arrest. In addition, some individuals are unable to stop gambling, even after they have spent all their money, often increasing their bets in a desperate attempt to win lost funds back.
Gambling triggers a wide range of emotions, including excitement, fear, regret and guilt. Some of these feelings are short-lived, while others can build up and cause a person to start to behave in uncharacteristic ways, such as being short tempered or easily annoyed.
To overcome these feelings, a person with a gambling addiction should start by strengthening their support network. This can include seeking out new friendships, such as colleagues at work or joining a sports team or book club, as well as joining a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is a 12-step recovery program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, it is important to create boundaries and stick to them when gambling. For example, a person should only gamble with money that they are willing to lose and never use an ATM card while on the casino floor (except for emergency purposes). Finally, the individual should always tip the dealer regularly, either by handing them a chip or by placing a bet for them.