Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Gambling
Gambling occurs when people stake something of value in the hope of winning a prize, with the outcome being determined partly by chance. It is usually conducted with money but it can also involve other materials such as marbles, cards or pogs. It is a worldwide activity and contributes a significant amount to the economies of countries. However, it is also associated with a range of harms. Those who experience gambling harms can experience conflict in their relationships, financial strain and feelings of anger, anxiety, shame or fear. This can lead to a variety of problems such as substance misuse, debt or depression.
The majority of gamblers are not impacted by their gambling, but for some, the behaviour becomes problematic. Problem gambling has been linked to poor mental health, including suicidal thoughts and attempts. It can also impact relationships, jobs and careers, leading to relationship break-ups, financial problems and job loss. People can be at risk of developing a gambling problem at any age, but it is most common among adolescents and young adults. It is also more likely for males to develop a gambling problem than females, although it is unclear why this is. Some groups of people are at greater risk than others, such as veterans, aging adults and those from minority communities.
Those with gambling problems are often attracted to the high-stakes nature of the activity, with its promise of excitement and rewards. This can also be fueled by the social constructs of winning and success, mateship and social status as well as hedonism and sexuality. In addition, there are socio-cultural influences that promote gambling and encourage its participation such as social norms, rituals, and discourses.
Research into gambling is typically framed within psychological and economic models of individual behaviour, addiction and rational action. This is beginning to change, with a growing corpus of socio-cultural approaches to gambling research emerging. One of these approaches draws on practice theory, which recognises that all human activities are ‘doings’ that form part of a larger ‘practice nexus’.
This nexus of practices are often shaped by various forces, such as affect (e.g. pleasure, anxiety), general understandings of the world like work and family, and ideologies such as neoliberalism and market ideology.
Those who struggle with gambling should avoid being entangled in its traps by learning about the risks, being aware of their own triggers and taking action to address them. This could include avoiding friends who gamble, not gambling when you are drunk or seeking out other ways to occupy your mind. For example, you might rekindle an old hobby or try something new. You might also start journalling your thoughts and actions to identify unhealthy patterns. Alternatively, you might start exercising regularly to improve your mood and help manage stress, which can be a trigger for gambling. Lastly, you should make sure your finances are protected by setting boundaries around spending money and making a habit of not using credit cards.
