Gambling Addiction

Gambling is the wagering of something of value, such as money or other possessions, on an event with a chance of winning something else of value (the prize). It can be done in many settings, such as casinos, racetracks, bingo halls and on the Internet. The prize can range from a small amount of money to a life-changing jackpot.

The risk of addiction to gambling can be reduced by only gambling with money that you can afford to lose and by setting time and money limits. It is also important to seek help if you suspect you have a problem.

While some people have no trouble gambling, others can become addicted to the rush of winning and the pleasure of placing bets. Symptoms of addiction can include:

1. Experiencing intense, compulsive, and recurrent patterns of maladaptive gambling behaviors. 2. Losing control of gambling activities and experiencing escalating problems with gambling. 3. Having a family history of compulsive gambling or having friends who have a problem with gambling.

4. Experiencing significant deterioration in relationships, work, or school performance. 5. Feeling a need to gamble even when faced with mounting losses.

A person may develop a pathological gambling disorder (PG) at any age, although it is more likely to occur in adolescence or young adulthood. Men are more likely to develop PG than women, and they tend to start gambling at a younger age. The most common type of PG is nonstrategic, noninterpersonally interactive gambling, such as slot machines and bingo.