Gambling is the act of placing money or something else of value on the outcome of an event that relies on chance, such as a football match, fruit machine, or betting with friends. When a gambler wins, they get the prize. When they lose, they forfeit the money or item. Gambling can be very addictive and lead to severe problems in people’s lives.

Research has shown that the brains of pathological gamblers react differently to gambling than those of recreational and social gamblers. Specifically, when the brains of pathological gamblers are exposed to images associated with gambling, their neurological response is much stronger than that of recreational or social gamblers. This suggests that pathological gambling is not simply a psychological disorder, but rather a biological condition.

A key to understanding why some people become addicted to gambling is to look at the motivations that drive them. Generally, there are four main reasons that people gamble:

For financial rewards – winning a jackpot and thinking about what they will do with the money. This may include wanting to buy a new car, or a new house, or to pay off debts.

As a form of entertainment – they enjoy the rush, the thrill of risk taking and the excitement of hoping for the best. This may also be about making a night out with friends more enjoyable.

For coping reasons – gambling can be used as a way to distract from other worries or concerns, and as a way of feeling more self-confident. It can also be a way of dealing with depression or anxiety.

To avoid negative consequences – losing money, family or relationships. This can often include lying about spending habits to hide the amount of time and money they are gambling, or denying that they have a problem.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, there are several organisations that offer support and help to overcome this problem. They can provide advice, assistance and counselling to people who are impacted by gambling addiction, or support families of those affected. Some even provide inpatient treatment and rehab programs, which are designed for those who can’t control their addiction and need round-the-clock care. You can find more information about these services in our guide to Gambling Addiction Treatment and Support. If you are concerned about a loved one’s gambling, contact them and explain your concerns. It’s important that they understand that you are worried about them and their welfare, and that they don’t feel isolated or ashamed. You can also set boundaries on managing finances, to prevent them from spending more than they can afford to lose.