By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS– Gambling is the act of wagering or betting money or something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the primary intent of winning additional money or material goods.
Gambling disorder also known as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, is a behavioural addiction characterised by a pattern of problem gambling that leads to significant impairment or distress.
Symptoms
Preoccupation with gambling: Spending excessive time thinking about gambling, reliving past gambling experiences, or planning future gambling activities.
Tolerance: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money or frequency to achieve the desired level of excitement or relief.
Withdrawal: Experiencing restlessness, irritability, or anxiety when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
Escape: Using gambling as a way to escape from problems, emotions, or stress.
Chasing losses: Returning to gamble in an attempt to recoup losses.
Lying: Deceiving others about the extent of one’s gambling.
Jeopardizing relationships: Gambling leading to problems with relationships, work, or school.
Bailout: Relying on others to provide financial assistance to relieve a financial crisis caused by gambling.
Historical perspective
Gambling has been present throughout human history, with evidence of games of chance dating back to ancient civilizations in Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In the United States, gambling has evolved from colonial-era lotteries to modern-day casinos and online gaming.
More facts about gambling Gambling is a widespread problem, affecting both adults and students. The ease of access to gambling platforms, coupled with the promise of quick wealth, has led many people to engage in this destructive behaviour.
60 million Nigerians engage in gambling
Studies have shown that gambling is a significant problem to many people. According to a 2019 survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), approximately 60 million Nigerians engage in gambling activities, with the majority being between the ages of 18 and 35.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Gambling Studies found that:
– 71.4% of Nigerian university students engaged in gambling activities.
– 45.6% of these students reported experiencing financial problems due to gambling.
– 31.4% reported experiencing mental health problems due to gambling.
Causes
Biological factors: Genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, and personality traits can contribute to gambling behavior.
Psychological factors*: Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can increase the risk of gambling problems.
Social factors: Social learning, peer pressure, and cultural norms can influence gambling behavior.
Environmental factors: Accessibility, availability, and marketing of gambling products can contribute to gambling problems.
Types of Gambling
To be continued
Dr Suleiman Tajudeen is Head, Clinical Psychology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos State
