Gambling involves risking something of value (money or material valuables) on an uncertain outcome of an event, such as the roll of a dice, the spin of a roulette wheel, or the outcome of a horse race. It is a widespread international activity and has grown into a massive commercial industry. Private gambling activities include betting on card games like poker or blackjack with friends in a home setting, placing wagers on sporting events such as football games or horse races with coworkers, and even playing marbles or collectible game pieces such as Magic: The Gathering and Pogs with family members.
Historically, gambling was often associated with immoral and illegal behaviors, but has since been adopted as a legitimate recreation. Its popularity is based on its ability to produce feelings of excitement and achievement, while also offering a sense of control over fate. While gambling is often perceived as a harmless pastime, its impact on individual and social health can be substantial and may have serious consequences for some.
The term “gambling addiction” is commonly used to describe a pathological pattern of gambling behavior. Despite the similarities between gambling and substance abuse, pathological gambling is not classified as an addictive disorder by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III-R). Various reasons have been given for this, including the lack of adequate pharmacologic treatments for gambling addiction, the prevalence of other psychiatric disorders in gambling patients, and the difficulty in distinguishing the behavioral features of gambling addiction from the euphoria produced by many types of recreational drugs.
In addition, defining what is considered a gambling addiction can be difficult because it can vary by culture and community. It is important to understand that cultural values and attitudes can influence a person’s views on gambling and what constitutes a problem. This can make it more difficult for people to seek help when they have a problem.
Research has shown that certain traits are associated with gambling addiction, including a tendency to be impulsive, an overestimation of one’s chances of winning, and a preoccupation with gambling. In addition, a gambling addiction is associated with impaired impulse control, poor time management skills, and a desire to avoid boredom or stress.
The medical literature on gambling and addiction focuses on the effects of gambling in the general population, as well as on screening for and treating pathological gambling. To evaluate the available data, the MEDLINE database was searched for articles published between 1966 and 2001 using the MeSH terms “gambling” or “addiction.” This review included studies of adults that evaluated the occurrence of gambling disorder in a primary care setting. It also included articles on the relationship between gambling behavior and other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The articles were reviewed for relevance, quality of writing, and methodological soundness. The results show that there is a growing role for evaluation of patients’ gambling behaviors in the primary care setting.
