Gambling involves placing something of value (typically money) at risk on an event that has some degree of chance. People may bet on sports, cards, dice, slot machines, scratch tickets, horses, animal tracks, or even the lottery. For some individuals, gambling can trigger a reward response similar to the reaction from alcohol or drugs, and these people may be at greater risk for problem behaviors.
Research suggests that gambling can cause some people to lose control of their decisions and become preoccupied with the thrill of winning, making it hard to stop. It can also cause financial stress, as the person may try to recover losses by gambling more and more. It can also affect family relationships, as the loved ones of a gambler may begin to feel resentment toward them.
The reasons why people gamble vary, but many include socializing with friends, getting a high or feeling of excitement, and the dream of winning big. Some individuals find relief from boredom, stress, depression, or grief by gambling. People may also gamble to escape reality and experience a sense of adventure, or as a way to fulfill unmet needs, such as feelings of power or belonging.
Gambling addiction is a complex issue that often requires intervention and treatment. To better understand what causes gambling addiction, it is helpful to look at the underlying processes that are common to all types of addictions. The article below describes how gambling addiction functions, and the root causes that can contribute to it.