Most adults and adolescents have placed a bet, and most do so without problem. However, a subset of those who gamble develop gambling disorder (see the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), which is characterized by an urge to bet and an inability to control or stop betting. Gambling also is associated with negative social consequences, including alienation of family and friends and financial difficulties. It is particularly common among those with low incomes, and men are more likely to develop the disorder than women.
Symptoms of gambling disorder include: (1) lying to family members, therapists, or others to conceal involvement in gambling; (2) hiding money or assets to hide from the truth about one’s level of involvement in gambling; (3) avoiding paying bills, debts, or taxes in order to gamble; (4) spending more than is available; (5) returning to the casino the next day to try to win back lost funds (“chasing losses”), even if the amount of the loss exceeds a person’s total net worth; (6) gambling as a way to escape from stress; and (7) engaging in illegal activities, such as theft, embezzlement, forgery, or forgery to fund a gambling habit (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
To help someone who is struggling with gambling, it is important to build stronger support networks, engage in healthy hobbies and recreational activities, and set boundaries. It is also helpful to seek out other ways to self-soothe unpleasant feelings, such as by exercising, spending time with nongambling friends, or practicing relaxation techniques. In addition, it is a good idea to review bank and credit card statements regularly and avoid gambling on credit or using funds earmarked for other purposes.