The Growing Problem of Gambling
Gambling is a common activity for many people, and in most countries it’s legal. But gambling is also an addictive behaviour, and if it’s not managed properly, it can cause harm. It can affect people of all ages, backgrounds and social groups. It can lead to financial problems, debt, relationship issues and even mental illness. But it’s not always easy to know when gambling is getting out of control and becoming a problem. Unlike other addictions, there aren’t usually obvious symptoms.
The way we gamble has changed significantly in recent years with the rise of online betting and gaming sites. There are hundreds of gambling companies now, and the ability to place a bet on sports games or casino-style games at home via a computer or mobile phone has increased access to these activities. People can now gamble 24 hours a day and seven days a week, with the added convenience of being able to make their bets on the go.
This rapid growth in the gambling industry has been accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of problem gambling. Problem gambling is defined as a pattern of gambling that causes serious distress or impairment to a person’s life, work or family. It can involve a range of harmful behaviours, including excessive spending, lying to others and neglecting other important areas of life. It can also cause a person to miss work or become unemployed as a result of gambling. In extreme cases, it can lead to suicide.
Research on gambling has traditionally adopted a range of perspectives, from critical to normative. Critical scholars have analysed the neoliberal infused political economy of gambling, and its process of globalisation, liberalisation and marketisation. Normative scholars have focused on the importance of individual attitudes, values and beliefs as drivers of gambling behaviour. However, both perspectives can be limiting in the context of the fast-changing gambling environment.
A practice theory approach offers a potentially powerful alternative to these approaches. A practice theory perspective considers how social constructs such as rituals, mateship, hedonism and risk underpin human behaviour. This can be applied to gambling research and help to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced view of the phenomenon.
Gambling can have a negative impact on health, and some groups are at greater risk than others of developing gambling disorders. These include adolescents, veterans, aging adults and members of minority communities such as Latinos and Asians. It’s important to be aware of these risks, and to talk with your doctor or a trained gambling counselor if you think you may have a problem. In addition, it’s important to take steps to prevent a gambling relapse, such as setting boundaries in managing money; taking control of household finances; and reviewing bank or credit card statements. In severe cases, you should seek professional help as soon as possible. Getting help early can reduce your risk of suicide.
