By: Wendy Hunt, MA, CSAC, QMHP-A, Wellness and Prevention Supervisor, Prince William County Community Services
“The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.” – Bret Harte
For many people, gambling and gaming are fun, entertaining activities. However, for some people, they can spiral into problematic behaviors that significantly impact mental health, relationships, and life satisfaction. Problem gambling refers to gambling that goes beyond entertainment and begins to harm various aspects of a person’s life. Since gaming and gambling are becoming more accessible than ever, it’s essential to recognize the associated risks and take steps toward responsible choices.
At Prince William Community Services, our Wellness and Prevention team is focused on spreading awareness and providing resources to help people manage gaming and gambling responsibly while offering support to those in need of it.
The Accessibility and Rise of Gambling
Gambling today is more widespread than many people realize. It shows up in many ways – such as the lottery, sports betting, scratch cards, and online gaming – and participation has been steadily increasing. According to the 2022 Virginia Young Adult Survey, 61 percent of respondents reported gambling within the 30 days prior to the survey.
Some common forms of gambling include:
- Sports betting
- Casino games
- Lottery tickets
- Bingo and charitable gambling
- Scratch cards
- Online and video gaming
The Popularity of Sports Betting
Sports betting has skyrocketed in popularity, partly due to the convenience of online platforms and the legalization of sports betting in many states. Since 2021, it has more than doubled in the United States, captivating young adults and athletes alike.
While placing bets on games can be thrilling, it also poses significant risks. Many people develop gambling addictions through the excitement they feel – sometimes not from winning money but from the act of wagering itself. When they lose, they often fall into stress-fueled gambling cycles. Losing money shows them that gambling is actually not fun or harmless.
The Impact on Youth
One of the most alarming trends is the exposure of youth to gambling-like behaviors. Research shows that individuals who begin gambling before the age of 12 have a higher risk of developing gambling problems later in life.
Legal age restrictions generally help prevent youth gambling. In Virginia, the legal age for lottery participation is 18, and for sports betting, it’s 21. However, many young people are still exposed to gambling through activities like family bingo nights, scratch-off tickets as gifts, or video games. Video games often blur the line between gameplay and gambling. Features like loot boxes, in-game purchases, spin-to-win mechanisms, and games of chance can all replicate real gambling behaviors. These games create cycles of excitement similar to gambling itself, posing addiction risks for children and teens.
The Science Behind Gaming, Gambling, and Addiction
Gaming and gambling stimulate the brain’s reward system, causing the release of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward. High-paced or high-stakes activities amplify this response, creating feelings of adrenaline and excitement. When players stop gaming or gambling, they may experience reduced dopamine levels – leading to sadness, irritability, or an impulsive urge to continue the activity to regain those feelings of happiness.
This pattern makes gaming and gambling addictive for some, impacting people’s mental health and overall well-being over time.
Signs of Problem Gaming and Gambling
Recognizing the warning signs is crucial in addressing problem gaming and gambling early. Common signs include:
- Spending excessive time and money on gaming or gambling
- Preoccupation with gaming or gambling even when doing other tasks
- Feeling stressed or upset when engaging in gaming or gambling
- Struggling to quit or cut back
- Lying about gaming or gambling habits
- Ignoring relationship, work, or school responsibilities due to gaming or gambling
Responsible Gaming and Gambling Tips
If you enjoy gaming or gambling, it’s vital to set limits and ensure it remains a recreational activity. Follow these tips to help prevent gaming or gambling from becoming problematic:
- Set time and money limits before you start.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Play for entertainment, not as a way to make money or cope with stress.
- Never gamble more than you can afford to lose.
- Avoid borrowing money to gamble.
- Recognize when to stop before gambling becomes harmful.
The Broader Mental Health Impact
Problem gaming and gambling don’t just affect finances – they can also affect mental well-being. Those experiencing these behaviors are at a higher risk for:
- Increased substance or tobacco use
- Co-occurring mental health issues, including anxiety and depression
- Suicidal thoughts or ideation
According to the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, an estimated 2 million U.S. adults (1 percent) meet the criteria for severe gambling problems annually, with another 4 to 6 million (2 to 3 percent) considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems.
Help is Available
If you or someone you know is struggling with gaming or gambling, it’s essential to seek help as soon as possible. Support services are available to guide you toward recovery and healthy habits. Here are some key resources you can use:
- The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline – Call 1-888-532-3500
- The National Problem Gambling Helpline – Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential, 24/7 support
Prince William County Community Services
At Prince William County Community Services, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and communities with knowledge, tools, and resources. Beyond problem gaming and gambling, our Wellness and Prevention team offers education on topics such as substance use prevention, suicide prevention, and harm reduction.
To learn more, visit pwcva.gov/cs or email Wendy Hunt at [email protected]. Together, we can work toward well-being, responsible habits, and thriving communities.
Remember, the first step to overcoming challenging behaviors like problem gaming or gambling is awareness. Awareness leads to action, and action leads to change. Take steps today for a healthier, brighter tomorrow.
Additional Resources
- Gamblers Anonymous – A support group for people with a gambling problem
- Gam-Anon – A self-help organization for the loved ones of problem gamblers
- GamTalk – A moderated peer support forum for those struggling with gambling
- GamFin – Help for gambling-related financial problems
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