The fine line between fun and addiction

GAMBLING appears to be a popular form of recreation, especially among the Indian community.

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While for many, a trip to the casino or sports betting may start out as fun, this can gradually turn into an addiction for some - leading to financial stress, family conflict and even mental health issues.

Gambling addiction, also referred to as gambling disorder, is recognised as a behavioural addiction in the DSM-5 (the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders).

Similar to substance additions, it involves repeated, problematic behaviour, despite negative consequences.

To understand it simply, gambling addiction involves our brain’s “reward system”. When someone wins, dopamine (a feelgood chemical) is released, reinforcing the behaviour. Over time, gamblers start chasing the “high” of winning.

While traditional casinos remain popular, gambling today takes many forms, such as casino games, sports betting, online gambling or apps, lotteries and informal community-based betting.

Online platforms have made gambling very accessible due to the ease of access. South Africans are believed to gamble over R1 trillion per year.

Risk factors for gambling addiction