Gambling involves betting money or something of value – like property – on an event that is uncertain or random. It is not unusual for people to gamble for fun or to escape their worries or stresses, but if you find yourself gambling more than you can afford, spending more time gambling than you intend to or becoming reliant on gambling to cope with depression or anxiety, it’s a sign that you might have a problem. You can seek help and self-help tips, including therapy, support groups and addiction recovery tools.
Many states tax gambling to encourage responsible behaviour and offset some of the harms it causes. The taxes are a source of revenue for state and local governments, as well as being used to fund programs that support gambling addiction treatment. Some states also promote gambling, while others regulate it to minimise harmful effects.
Unlike taxes on tobacco, alcohol and other sin products, governments do not tend to use taxes on gambling to discourage people from gambling or to impose social stigma. Instead, they are used to generate revenues to help offset the costs of gambling addiction treatment, education and other services.
Some people are more susceptible to developing a gambling problem than others. For example, research suggests that people with a genetic predisposition may have underactive brain reward systems that affect how they process reward information and control impulses. This vulnerability is more common in young people, especially boys and men. Those with mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, are also more likely to develop gambling disorders.
The main reasons people gamble are to get an adrenaline rush, to win money, to socialise or to escape their worries and stress. But for some, it can become a destructive and addictive habit. If you find yourself gambling more than you can afford, losing more than you win or relying on gambling to cope with depression or anxiety, you may have a gambling disorder. It’s important to seek help as soon as possible, as gambling can have serious consequences for your mental and physical health.
If you’re not sure whether you have a problem, try these simple self-help tips: Start with a fixed amount of money that you can comfortably lose (don’t use credit cards), stop gambling when you have a bad run and don’t chase your losses. Never think you’re due a big win or that you can recoup your losses by putting in more money – this is known as the “gambler’s fallacy”. If you feel you are at risk of a gambling problem, call 999 or visit A&E immediately. You can also speak to a debt adviser at StepChange for free, confidential advice. We can help you make a plan to deal with your debts. Find out more here.