Harm Reduction for Gambling Disorders
Gambling involves risking money or material goods on the outcome of an uncertain event. It’s an activity that is found across all societies and is a huge component of the economy. For some, it may seem like a harmless pastime and for others, it can become an addiction. It is often a hidden addiction, which can have a devastating impact on relationships and financial stability. It can also lead to feelings of guilt, shame, fear and anger, particularly when one is losing more than they are winning.
While there is a wealth of gambling research focusing on individual behaviour, harm reduction strategies could benefit from a greater understanding of the wider socio-cultural and regulatory framework that frames gambling. In particular, there is a growing body of work that highlights how various forces such as affect (e.g. anxiety), general understandings (e.g. beliefs about family and work) and ideologies such as neoliberalism can suffuse a nexus of practices that form the global gambling industry.
Regardless of the type of gamble, it is important to recognize signs that a person might be suffering from a gambling disorder and seek help immediately. This can include a loss of control over finances, an inability to stop gambling even when experiencing financial losses, frequent thoughts about gambling and avoiding social activities that would otherwise be enjoyed.
People with low incomes are more vulnerable to developing a gambling disorder because they have more to lose than those who are better off. For those living in poor neighborhoods, the lure of quick cash is especially strong and can cause a person to invest more time and resources into gambling activities. Moreover, men are more likely to develop a gambling disorder than women. According to a study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, approximately 5% of men who gamble develop a gambling disorder.
The nature of the gambling industry makes it a very complex and ever-changing domain. There are new technologies, a variety of different spaces where gambling is practiced and the proliferation of gambling devices has led to a wide range of regulations and restrictions on the industry. As a result, it is not easy to understand the current state of the gambling landscape and what might be an appropriate harm reduction response.
In addition to the social, financial and psychological impacts of gambling, there are also a number of overlapping issues related to a lack of clarity about what constitutes gambling and what forms of gambling are most at risk of being addictive. This is particularly evident with the proliferation of online and mobile gambling services, where it is difficult to regulate content. Nevertheless, there is a growing body of evidence that shows that the nature of the gambling environment and its impact on society requires further research into how best to respond. This will help in developing effective strategies to reduce the risks of gambling. It will also highlight the need for more collaboration between public health, crime prevention and addiction specialists to prevent gambling-related harms.
