Whether you’re buying lottery tickets, scratch-offs, video poker or slots, gambling is a risky form of entertainment that involves betting with money or other items of value. Gambling is a behaviour that can become addictive and lead to problems, such as debt, health, family and relationship issues. It’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of gambling problems, so you or a loved one can seek help.
While there is a wealth of gambling research that focuses on individual behaviour and addiction, there is a smaller but growing corpus of knowledge considering the wider socio-cultural, regulatory, and commercial environment that shapes and influences such behaviour. Harm reduction strategies could benefit from broadening perspectives to consider the role of these broader socio-cultural influences on gambling-related harm.
A social practice theory perspective offers a potential avenue for addressing such concerns, incorporating ideas from critical as well as normative perspectives through consideration of both structure and culture (i.e. the wider gambling landscape and consumer behaviour). For example, it can be argued that the march of neoliberalism, in combination with globalisation, marketisation and liberalisation, has suffused the nexus of practices that make up the global gambling industry [12].
While many people gamble for fun, others become addicted to gambling and find it difficult to quit. It’s often easier to continue gambling than to quit, as it can be an expensive and exciting hobby that is easily accessible online and in bricks and mortar casinos around the world. This makes it difficult to maintain recovery from problem gambling, especially for those with access to online casinos and bookmakers that are open all day every day.
It’s also important to remember that gambling is not a lucrative way to make money, and is only a form of entertainment. While some people do win big, most lose. The odds are always against you winning a big jackpot, and it’s important to have other hobbies to keep you from spending your hard-earned cash on things that you don’t need.
To reduce the risk of becoming addicted to gambling, set a budget and stick to it. Don’t play on credit, and avoid chasing your losses. The more you try to recoup your losses, the bigger they will be. Set a time limit and leave when you’re done, whether you’re winning or losing. Balance gambling with other activities, and never gamble when you’re depressed or upset. Avoid free cocktails, too – they’re usually given to you as a promotional gift for the casino and will increase your chances of over-gambling. And finally, don’t forget to tip your dealers. A $5 tip will go a long way. They’re not getting their tips from the casino to pay for your drinks, so you need to show them some appreciation. Just be sure to use chips, not cash! It’s also a good idea to talk about your gambling habits with a friend or therapist. Gambling addictions can damage relationships and finances, so it’s important to get support when you need it.