Gambling Problems in Families

Many people have placed a bet at some point in their lives – whether it is on the lottery, cards, horse racing, sports events, online casino gambling or pokies (Australian slots). While most people who gamble do so responsibly, a small proportion develop an addiction, characterized by a persistent and recurrent pattern of gambling that results in significant distress or impairment. Gambling can also lead to financial problems, strained or broken relationships, substance use issues and health problems.

While most studies on gambling have focused on economic costs and benefits, social impacts have been largely ignored. It is argued that the inclusion of social costs and benefits can enhance our understanding of gambling and help policymakers weigh these against the cost of other activities and policies such as alcohol and drugs.

Some positive aspects of gambling include entertainment, the opportunity to socialize with friends and family, charitable support and income generation. Furthermore, gambling helps exercise the brain and improve cognitive abilities through strategic thinking and decision-making. This is especially true for games like blackjack and poker, where players must learn tactics and understand body language to improve their odds of winning.

If you are concerned about gambling problems in your family, the first step is to enlist the help of professionals. There are a number of counselling and support groups available, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is a 12-step program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous. Another option is to join a peer support group such as a book club, sports team or volunteering for a cause.