While most people who engage in gambling do so without problems, a small subset develops an addiction that can negatively impact their physical and mental health, relationships with family and friends, performance at work or study, or leave them deep in debt and even homeless. In extreme circumstances, problem gambling has been linked to suicide.

The risk of developing an addiction to gambling can be increased by a number of factors including a person’s age, gender, and the nature of their gambling. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs of gambling addiction, such as lying to family and friends or missing out on social activities or events. People who are addicted to gambling often experience a high when anticipating their next win, and a low when they lose. These highs and lows can lead to a destructive cycle where people continue to gamble in the hope of achieving that next ‘high’.

Many people who gamble do so to escape feelings of depression or other mental health issues, but it’s important to remember that gambling can actually make these symptoms worse. Problem gambling can also cause a person to feel ashamed or isolated, which can lead them to isolate themselves from their friends and family, and lead to self-harm. In some cases, this can escalate to suicidal thoughts and actions – and is one of the leading causes of suicide in the US.

To reduce the harm of gambling, policy makers could introduce tools such as universal pre-commitment (requiring people to set binding limits on time and money spent on gambling) and self-exclusion from gambling providers. They could also work with gambling providers to promote the value of responsible gaming and encourage a culture of responsibility. Further, social practice theory research on gambling could help to develop a more holistic approach by looking at how bodies, materials, language and discourses, and power and agency shape gambling practices.