Gambling involves betting something of value on an event that is determined mostly by chance. It may include activities such as playing slot machines, buying lottery tickets or office pool bets. It also includes sports wagering, horse racing, games of skill such as bridge, and even some forms of online gambling.
People gamble for a variety of reasons, including the adrenaline rush of winning money or simply to socialise. But for some people, it becomes a serious problem that can lead to debt and other health problems. If you’re worried that your gambling is getting out of control, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are a number of organisations that provide support, assistance and counselling for those who suffer from problematic gambling.
While most adults and adolescents in the United States have placed a bet, only a small percentage go on to develop pathological gambling. In the past, psychiatry viewed these people as impulsive-control disorders (like kleptomania and pyromania). In recent years, though, researchers have come to understand that some people who gamble are addicted to gambling. As a result, in its most recent edition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) now classifies pathological gambling as an addiction.
A person is classified as having a gambling disorder if the following criteria are met: