Gambling involves placing something of value on an event that’s random or uncertain with the hope of winning a prize. This includes betting on sports games, card games and casino games where skill is not required. It can also include games of chance such as dice and roulette.
While some people find gambling a harmless pastime, for others it can seriously harm their health and relationships, get them into debt and even lead to homelessness. In addition, a person’s family and friends can be affected too.
Researchers have found that a person’s risk for developing a gambling disorder is tied to their brain function and genetic predisposition. The risk of gambling disorders is greater in individuals with low dopamine levels, who have trouble controlling their impulses and who are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviours. In addition, a person’s environment and culture can also influence their gambling activity. For example, some cultures may view gambling as an acceptable leisure activity and make it hard for them to recognize a problem.
Counselling can help a person understand their gambling problems and think about how it’s impacting their life. It can also help them solve problems and develop a plan to deal with their situation. Counselling can also be useful for addressing any mood disorders that may be triggering or making the gambling worse. This can include depression, stress, substance use or anxiety. It can also help a person find healthier ways to cope with unpleasant feelings like loneliness or boredom, instead of gambling.