Gambling is the act of placing something of value, such as money or property, on an uncertain outcome. It can include activities such as betting on horse or football races, playing casino games including poker and blackjack, purchasing lottery tickets and even speculation based on business, insurance and stock market data. It is usually considered to be a socially acceptable activity when undertaken responsibly and within one’s means.
While there is a wealth of gambling research focusing on individual behaviour, addiction and cognitive impairment, a smaller but nascent body of work considers the wider socio-cultural and commercial environment that shapes and influences people’s gambling practices and outcomes. The adoption of a practice theory approach, which recognises the multifaceted nature of human activities and that they rarely occur in isolation from other elements of daily life, can offer a new perspective on how these issues might be approached.
A nexus of practices
When people gamble, it is usually in conjunction with other social activities such as alcohol consumption and socialising among friends. Practitioner theorists refer to this as bundles of practice, recognising that people don’t often engage in individual activities in isolation but perform them as part of a constellation or nexus of other practices. For this reason, future research should consider how gambling practices are performed in conjunction with other social activities such as these and explore the influence of this on people’s behaviour and outcomes.
While a lot of gambling takes place at brick and mortar casinos, online gambling has become increasingly common. It has also expanded to include mobile and tablet devices, which are increasing the accessibility of gambling for many people. This has increased the potential for gambling to be an addictive activity, particularly for those who are vulnerable or have a history of mental illness.
Pathological gambling is the most serious form of gambling and affects around 1% of the population. It can have a profound effect on the lives of those affected, disrupting relationships, employment and health and leaving them in financial crisis. It is the only behavioural addiction to be recognised by the American Psychiatric Association and needs to be treated seriously.
If you think that you might have a problem with gambling, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Counselling can help you understand your problem and find ways to overcome it. There are also support groups and charities that can provide practical advice and information. It is also vital to be aware of the potential risk factors and take measures to reduce them, such as keeping your gambling spending separate from your disposable income, avoiding casinos and other gambling sites, and finding alternative recreational activities and hobbies. A counsellor can help you develop a plan for change and identify goals to work towards. In some cases, there are also medications available that can be prescribed by a doctor to treat problems with gambling. These can be helpful, but only if you are committed to making a lasting change.