Gambling and Its Health Effects
Gambling involves risking something of value on an event that is primarily chance with the intent to win something else of value. It has been an integral part of many societies throughout prerecorded history and is often incorporated into local customs and rites of passage. It has made millions of people rich and provided a feeling of grandeur for others, but it can also lead to financial ruin, social dissolution, and criminal deviance. Despite its ubiquity, gambling remains controversial. Its proponents argue that it provides pleasure and excitement and is a “painless tax,” while its opponents point to its role in crime, corruption, and personal bankruptcy.
Although it is true that there is a possibility of winning money from gambling, the truth is that most people lose. This is because of the laws of probability and a lack of self-control. To be successful at gambling, you must be able to control your emotions and maintain your concentration. One way to do this is to take regular breaks and to only gamble for a set amount of time. Additionally, it is helpful to have a friend or family member to call on for support when you are in trouble.
While it is important to understand why your loved one gambles, it is equally important to remember that the more they gamble, the more money they will likely lose. They may gamble for coping reasons – to alleviate stress, to forget their worries, or because it makes them feel more confident and self-assured. They might also play for the adrenaline rush or to win a prize. In addition, some people are genetically predisposed to gambling problems.
In order to evaluate the evidence about the health effects of gambling, we performed a systematic review using the Medline database (66-2001). This was a comprehensive search for articles on gambling and its health consequences that met the following criteria:
The results of our study are consistent with previous research suggesting that gambling has both direct and indirect mental health risks. Direct risks include the heightened likelihood of developing an addiction to gambling, as well as the indirect risk that gambling can negatively affect a person’s overall quality of life. In addition, gambling is associated with increased health care costs and legal trouble.
If you or someone you know is concerned about their gambling habits, talk to a family member or a friend, or call the GamCare helpline. The best course of action is to stop gambling immediately if you feel that it is causing you emotional or financial distress. If you are unable to stop gambling, seek professional help as soon as possible. Until then, good luck at the tables! Just don’t forget to tip the cocktail waitresses! They work hard to give you free cocktails, so don’t forget to reward them with some extra cash. And remember, never chase your losses – thinking that you’ll suddenly get lucky and make up for the lost money is the gambler’s fallacy!
