Gambling is an activity where something of value is placed on a chance event with the hope of winning a prize. It usually involves the wagering of money, although it can involve other valuable items such as goods or services. The act of gambling often leads to feelings of excitement, anticipation and risk. Gambling can also lead to serious problems, such as addiction.
People engage in many forms of gambling, from betting on horse races and lotteries to playing casino games, fruit machines, card games and scratchcards. It is important to differentiate between types of gambling, as different types are subject to distinct legal regulations and social attitudes. For example, while the game of poker is considered a form of gambling, it is generally regarded as a more socially acceptable form of gambling than horse racing or lotteries.
In addition to its inherent risks, gambling can be used as a form of escapism from difficult thoughts, life situations or feelings. It can also be used as a way to meet basic human needs, such as the need for a sense of belonging or the desire to be successful. Many commercial establishments, such as casinos and racetracks, are built on the premise that they can provide these basic human needs.
Many people struggle with gambling addiction because of a combination of factors, such as poor money management skills, an inability to recognize when they are gambling and a preoccupation with winning. Some of these issues can be overcome with professional treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. Additionally, identifying and understanding the triggers for gambling is essential. For instance, some people are triggered by being around friends who gamble or by drinking alcohol, which can lower inhibitions and increase the likelihood of taking risks.
It is also important to distinguish between gambling disorder and other substance use disorders, such as drug addiction or alcoholism. While PG is a complex disorder with many similarities to other SUDs, there are some defining characteristics that set it apart. For example, individuals with PG are at risk for loss of control, which may be accompanied by feelings of helplessness or guilt; they may lie to family members and therapists about their involvement with gambling; they may jeopardize their health or relationships in order to continue gambling, and they may resort to illegal acts (such as fraud, theft, embezzlement, forgery) in an attempt to fund their gambling activities.
It is essential for primary care physicians to understand the relationship between a patient’s gambling behaviors and their health, including screening strategies for problem or pathological gambling. Currently, there is growing interest in the assessment of patients for gambling-related disorders within primary care settings. To facilitate this assessment, a literature review was conducted using the MeSH database of medline (1966 to present) and the keyword “gambling.” The following articles were selected for inclusion in the study: