Gambling is a worldwide activity, and it has never been easier to place a bet. Casinos have opened everywhere from Las Vegas to Atlantic City, online casinos offer 24/7 betting and sports gambling, and video games include gambling elements for adults and children of all ages. Regardless of what you bet on, the odds are that over time, you will lose more than you win. This is why you need to set a budget and stop when you reach it, and seek treatment if you have any problem gambling behaviours.
People who gamble do so in various ways, with some taking it more seriously than others. In some cases, the seriousness of their behaviour is such that it qualifies as a mental health disorder. This is known as pathological gambling, and it has been classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, since the 1980s.
Scientists are currently trying to understand why some people develop gambling disorders. Some individuals have a genetic predisposition, while others come from families where someone has had a gambling addiction. Then there are those who have a history of trauma, abuse or neglect. Others have antisocial or impulsive personalities, and they are often attracted to the thrill of risk-taking.
One thing we know is that people who have more problems gambling tend to start younger, and many kids are playing gambling-like games before they are 18. The 18-29 age group is also the fastest-growing group of gamblers, and their brains are still developing, making them particularly vulnerable.