Gambling involves risking money or other valuables in the hope of winning based on chance – for example, buying lottery tickets or playing a slot machine. It can also involve placing bets with friends or co-workers on sports events like football games or horse races. The risk of gambling can be high and can affect anyone, regardless of age, income or social status. Gambling may lead to other problems, such as substance misuse and mental health problems, including suicidal thoughts or depression.
Many people gamble for a variety of reasons, from the excitement and thrill of winning to socialising or escaping from worries or stress. It is important to recognise the signs of gambling addiction and seek help if they are present.
Despite the common perception of gambling as a harmless pastime, there is growing evidence that it can be a serious problem and may be associated with other health risks. As gambling is such a widespread and widely accepted activity, the evaluation of pathological gambling in primary care settings is becoming increasingly necessary. This article reviews the rationale for a role in medical assessment, identifies risk factors and provides guidelines on how to assess and manage gambling behavior. A literature search of the MEDLINE database (1966 to present) was conducted using the MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) word “gambling.” This was supplemented by a manual review of the most recent literature in this area. This was done by a team of clinicians from the West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic.