Gambling is risking something of value on an event whose outcome is largely dependent upon chance. It is an activity that has existed in virtually every society since prerecorded history and has been incorporated into local customs and rites of passage. Most individuals participate in gambling for social, recreation, and entertainment reasons. However, a small group of people become excessively involved in gambling to the extent that it causes significant personal, family, and financial problems. Pathological gambling is considered a mental disorder by most research scientists, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians, and public policy makers. However, the nomenclature for such disorders is still evolving, as these and other groups have different paradigms or world views that frame their consideration of this phenomenon.
It’s important to remember that someone who has a gambling problem isn’t being lazy or trying to take advantage of you. Rather, they are a person with an underlying mental health issue that they haven’t been able to address. The best way to help them is to educate yourself about gambling addiction and how it works, and to look into the treatment options available for this condition.
It’s also helpful to be aware that, for many people, it can be hard to know when their gambling is becoming a problem. They may try to hide it from their friends and family, or they might lie about how much time and money they are spending on this activity.