What Is Gambling?
Gambling is the act of risking money or something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the goal of winning more.
Common forms of gambling include lottery, casino, sports betting, online gambling, bingo, horse racing, and more. There are also some activities that mimic gambling behavior such as certain in – app purchases within video games; prediction markets; and day trading. These activities can involve elements that are like gambling.
Why Do People Gamble?
People gamble for many different reasons, and everyone’s motivation for engaging in gambling could be slightly difference. Understanding some of the influences on your decision to gamble can help you to make informed choices:
- Social influence: It can be tempting to gamble if your friends are engaging in the activity. Gambling can be part of social activities such as watching sports or a group poker night. Family can also influence gambling behavior such as buying lottery tickets as a holiday gift or going to the casino for a family gathering.
- Entertainment: Gambling can be a source of excitement, fun, or competition. Some individuals look forward to the thrill of winning or to show they are knowledgeable on a subject such as cards or sports.
- Financial: The belief that gambling can improve financial situations. Some individuals see gambling as a way to make money or better their finances. Individuals might look for the big win or payoff from gambling. Gambling is designed so that the odds are typically not in the player’s favor, which can lead to losses that add up quickly.
- Advertising & incentives: Some places and online sites offer incentives such as free spins or free money to gamble. We see gambling advertisements on social media, commercials, and billboards which can normalize the behavior within the community. Many gambling venues offer VIP status which can lead to rewards and more incentive to continue to play. promotions, free bets, or rewards programs.
- Emotional factors: Gambling can also be a way for individuals to cope with stress or escape from problems in their life much like some people turn to alcohol or substances. Gambling can also relieve boredom or the monotony of life.
Whatever the reason someone decides to gamble, it can be a fun, entertaining activity. However, for some gambling can have a negative impact on finances, relationships, and mental health.
What is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling (sometimes referred to as “gambling addiction” or “gambling disorder”) is gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and work. Anyone who gambles can be at risk for developing a gambling problem. Gambling disorder is a recognized addiction and mental health issue.
Signs of Problem Gambling
The following are a few signs that gambling may have become a problem:
- Gambling longer or betting more money than intended
- Going back to win try to win your money back (chasing losses)
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to stop or cut back
- Feeling like you can’t control your thoughts around gambling
- Financial problems or debt
- Withdraw from family, friends, or activities you once enjoyed
- Missing work, school, or other responsibilities
- Lying about your gambling behavior
Strategies to Help Reduce Risk:
- Set limits on how much time and money you spend
- Treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money
- Avoid trying to win back money you have already lost
- Don’t gamble when feeling stressed or have been drinking alcohol
- Take breaks and engage in other activities
Get Support When Needed
If gambling is affecting your life, you are not alone. Support is available, and reaching out can make a difference.
- Indiana Gambling Helpline: Phone: 1-800-994-8448 / Text Support: Text “INGAMB” to 53342
- National Hotline: 1-800-MY-RESET
- Open GA meeting: Online or by phone: Gamblers Anonymous Virtual Meetings
By Phone: Every Wednesday 9:00 – 10:30pm EST 559-726-1300 (Participation Code: 611704#)
- How much money do you have to lose before gambling is a problem?
The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes problematic. While gambling can cause financial problems, it is not the only warning sign of a gambling problem. When gambling interferes with an individual’s relationships, job, mental or physical health or any other area of life it is a problematic behavior. - Who is at risk of gambling problems?
Problem gambling does not discriminate and can impact anyone who gambles regardless of economic, social, cultural or levels of education. Anyone who gambles can develop a gambling problem. - How can a person be addicted to something that isn't a substance?
Although no substance is ingested, someone with a gambling problem gets the same effect from gambling as one might get from taking a drug or drinking alcohol. Just as a person builds tolerance to drugs or alcohol, a person with unhealthy gambling habits finds that it takes more and more of the gambling experience to achieve the same emotional effect as before. This creates an increased urge for the activity and makes it harder to resist. - How widespread is gambling in Indiana?
About 89% of Indiana adults have gambled at least once in the past year. Almost 30% of adults ages 18-34 reported online sports betting. In 2024, 2.6% of Indiana adults surveyed reported that they considered whether they have a problem with, are dependent on, or are addicted to gambling. - What is the national social cost of problem gambling?
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that the annual national social cost of problem gambling is $14 billion. These costs include gambling-related criminal justice and healthcare spending as well as job loss, bankruptcy, and other consequences. This estimate was based on the formula developed by research from the 1999 National Gambling Impact Study Commission and updated to account for inflation and the current U.S. adult population as of December 2023.
Note: Some information adapted from the National Council on Problem Gambling website: https://www.ncpgambling.org/