Gambling is an activity that involves wagering something of value on an outcome that is uncertain or outside of the control or influence of the participant. This is a common activity that is widely practiced worldwide and often regulated by government or private agencies. While most people engage in some form of gambling without harm, a significant subset experience problematic gambling behaviour. This type of behaviour can lead to financial stress, family discord, relationship breakdown and even mental illness. Harmful gambling behaviour can also result in the loss of employment, educational or career opportunities.
The development of gambling is influenced by social, cultural and economic factors. The increasing availability of gambling products, commercial associations with popular sports and cultural activities, and technological advances have led to an increased acceptance of the activity as a legitimate form of entertainment. A major factor is the changing values of society, which have contributed to an increased emphasis on money, competition and status. This has pushed the boundaries of acceptable behaviour, leading to an increased prevalence of gambling-related harms.
A variety of different types of gambling are available, including state-run lotteries, sports betting and casino games such as poker, blackjack, and bingo. Individuals can also participate in private gambling by playing card games or board games with friends, placing bets on the results of a sporting event or other event with other members of their social circle, and making decisions that affect the value of collectable items like marbles or game pieces (e.g., in games of Pogs or Magic: The Gathering). In some cases, these materials may be exchanged for real cash, but many gamblers simply use the items as stakes in the game for enjoyment and social interaction.
There are many risks associated with gambling, and individuals who experience problem gambling have an increased risk for suicide. In fact, those who develop pathological gambling have been found to be 15 times more likely to commit suicide than individuals in the general population.
Problem gambling can have lasting impacts on the lives of individuals, their families and their communities. It is important to understand the warning signs and know where to seek help.
Special populations, such as adolescent girls and young women, veterans, aging adults, Latino and Asian communities, are at higher risk for gambling problems. However, despite a high prevalence of harmful gambling behaviour in these groups, they are at less likely to seek assistance because of the stigma and shame that surrounds gambling issues. The uptake of gambling harm prevention measures is low and they are often under-funded. The current regulatory approach, which blames the gambler, has limited effectiveness. There is a need for effective, innovative and targeted interventions that are based on sound evidence. These should include a clear definition of gambling, centralized account registration with binding loss limits and limitations on advertising and promotional activities. They should also include the promotion of programs that address the root causes of harmful gambling behaviour and make gambling products easier to assess for harm.