Gambling is the act of placing a bet on an event where there is a chance that you could lose something of value. It involves three elements: consideration, risk and a prize. Some types of gambling involve more risk than others, such as horse racing or football matches, while others are less risky such as the lottery.
The decision to gamble is often made for social or entertainment reasons – for example, it may be done as part of a group, or because it makes a party more enjoyable. Others may be more financially motivated, and enjoy thinking about what they might do with the money if they won. Some people are also drawn to the idea of a rush or ‘high’ that gambling can provide. When this happens, your brain releases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter. This can make you feel excited and even euphoric, regardless of whether you win or lose.
Some people have genetic predispositions towards thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity, while others have more difficulty controlling their emotions or weighing risk against reward. Combined with environmental factors, these can make it harder for them to recognize a problem and seek help.
Many services are available for people who have a gambling addiction or problem, including self-help sections on this website and professional treatment and rehabilitation services. You can find more information about these by visiting the NHS website. If you have a loved one with a gambling problem, it is important to talk to them and reach out for support from family and friends. It is also a good idea to seek help for underlying mood disorders, such as depression or stress, which can trigger gambling problems and can be made worse by compulsive gambling.