No matter if it be lottery tickets, football betting or fantasy sports team management, gambling can quickly become addictive for many people. Brain Connections outlines ways you might know if gambling has taken over your life as well as solutions.
Gambling can be broadly defined as any activity in which value is staked for greater reward, including activities like billiards, bingo and casino games; lotteries; online gambling as well as lottery ticket purchases; online gaming platforms (such as Poker Stars); bets placed or games of chance played – although most adults and adolescents take part – some develop gambling disorders, increasing the risks of financial strain, relationship tensions and feelings of anger or anxiety for themselves and others, according to psychologist Shane Kraus PhD specializing in addiction studies.
As in any form of gambling, success and failure depend on chance. When an individual purchases a lottery ticket there is always the possibility they might win; this depends on a random selection of numbers being chosen at random by an automated machine. Unfortunately most people who buy tickets don’t win; odds of success vary from draw to draw depending on how many tickets are purchased and who wins out of those bought.
Betting has quickly become one of the most widely practiced forms of gambling. Decisions on what and how often to bet are determined by odds set by betting service companies such as 5/1 or 2/1 odds for example which indicate how much a bet could win should it win, although winning ultimately comes down to chance and can vary considerably between events and markets.
Gambling is governed by state and federal laws which establish limits on its type, means, locations and frequency. For instance, selling lottery tickets in some states is illegal while only licensed operators are authorised to offer gambling services; Nevada Gaming Control Board and New Jersey Casino Control Commission are two prominent US regulators of gambling activity.
Gambling disorders must be managed before they get out of hand; severe cases may even lead to self harm and suicidal thoughts and feelings; in such situations, professional help is available and treatment will likely prove highly successful.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group therapy such as Gamblers Anonymous and rehab programs can all help address gambling disorders. CBT helps individuals identify and change unhealthy thinking patterns; group therapy offers support in learning coping skills while inpatient/residential rehab provides a supportive environment to facilitate recovery from gambling disorders. Talking to family and friends can also offer encouragement, and could suggest local treatment programs as options.