GAMBLING
BET YOUR LIFE
Problem gambling can have devastating effects , with people also often also struggling with substance use and severe mental health issues , says Cheryl Williams
Carol Woodcock / iStock
According to the Gambling Commission , in the period from April 2022 to March 2023 the total gross yield of the British gambling industry was more than £ 15bn , £ 6.5bn of which came from remote ( online / interactive TV ) casinos , betting , and bingo . More than 22m people engaged in gambling activity and 90m bets were placed , with the Gambling Commission issuing around £ 60m in fines to operators last year .
You may be reading this and thinking , ‘ what constitutes gambling ?’ The Oxford dictionary definition is : ‘ Play games of chance for money , bet ’ and ‘ Take risky action in the hope of a desired result ’. Most people have gambled in their lifetime – the National Lottery , sweepstakes , tombola , scratch cards – and for most gambling is seen as a social , fun activity . However , for some people gambling can become harmful and have a significant impact on the individual , family , and wider society . It ’ s estimated that for every person who gambles , between six and ten others are affected – according to a 2020 House of Lords study , this equates to around 2m people harmed by the break-up of families , crime , loss of homes and ultimately loss of life .
So where does it as start ? How do some people become addicted , and some people don ’ t ? Taking risks is part of human nature – we take risks every day , be it placing a bet or riding a bike . A surprising or unexpected reward causes an extra dopamine rush , activating the brain ’ s reward system . Some gamblers talk about experiencing ‘ the rush ’ of their first win – this is the reward system being activated , and to experience these feelings again there may be a desire from the
HOW IT ’ S CONNECTED
The relationship between gambling and mental health problems is complex and bidirectional , meaning that mental health issues can lead to problem gambling and vice versa . Here are some key points on how gambling harms are connected to mental health :
1 . DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY Problem gambling is strongly linked to depression and anxiety disorders . The stress and financial strain caused by gambling losses can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and anxiety .
Conversely , individuals with depression or anxiety may turn to gambling as a form of escape or to cope with their symptoms , creating a harmful cycle .
2 . SUBSTANCE USE There ’ s a significant overlap
14 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • JULY / AUGUST 2024 WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM