Gambling is an activity in which participants risk something of value (typically money) with the expectation that it will yield returns of equal or greater worth; such activities include betting on your favorite football team to win or purchasing scratchcards; whatever form it takes, gambling raises important psychological issues that should be taken into account.
Understanding of problem gambling has undergone dramatic transformation over the years. Now it is recognized that gambling behavior may cause or contribute to numerous detrimental outcomes, including: (1) increased stress and anxiety levels; (2) diminished concentration, social interaction and motivation to engage in daily activities; (3) diminish mathematical skills; (4) poor judgment (5) cognitive distortions (6) mental illness and (7) moral turpitude.
Although most individuals who participate in gambling do so without issue, a small subset engage in behaviors which interfere with their personal and family relationships, career development or performance at work/school, health concerns and financial well-being – this group is known as disordered gamblers.
Gambling can be an enjoyable way to pass the time. It also teaches participants how to make smart decisions and employ strategies in an attempt to win big. But be wary, gambling can become addictive; therefore you should play responsibly – when money begins being lost it’s wisest not chase your losses in hope that something big might turn up and reverse them; unfortunately this rarely occurs!
Consider also the social ramifications of gambling, which many may not realize have an adverse impact on their lives – from damaging relationships and employment opportunities, to homelessness. Recognize any warning signs and seek help immediately should there be an issue.
An investigation was undertaken to assess the effects of gambling on happiness in elderly residents of a nursing facility. Three participants with histories of gambling participated; they ranged in age between 80-89 and had no cognitive impairment such as dementia.
At the outset, participants were provided with five visual stimuli sets including animals, food, letters, pictures of people, and casino games. Participants were then instructed to pair each set and select which they preferred more often from that group of stimuli. Repeating this experiment twice more, the study’s results demonstrated that people who gambled reported higher levels of happiness than those who didn’t due to gambling stimulating the brain and increasing levels of happiness. Gambling also provides social interactions as well as providing a mental break – two benefits which make gambling an enjoyable activity and ideal distraction from long-term care facilities’ strict agendas. These findings support their recommendation that long-term care facilities allow their residents to gamble as an entertainment form.