Introduction
Gambling can be defined as bets that result to material or monetary gain or loss. Also defined as a game whereby the player takes risk hoping to gain material or monetary value on an uncertain outcome. It entails taking risks on uncertain events outcome to make a gain (Smith, 2001, p. 1). A person is said to be addicted to gambling if he/she is unable to avoid gambling.
Causes of gambling
Online gambling popularity has grown enormously with development in technology. Computer addiction has lead to an increment to online gambling addiction, due to computer addiction one develop tolerance to computer usage. This leads to greater need of stimulating material in the internet, gambling provide the stimulation that one anticipate to gain.
One develops the urge to gamble, which eventually leads to an addiction. It can also be attributed from genetic disorder, persons born in a family with an online gambling addiction has a tendency of themselves inheriting the addiction. It is based on the assumption that the gambling genes are passed on by parents to their young ones (Ladouceur, 2002, p. 1).
Young age gambling can lead to addiction; as young people do it for the thrill. As they grow old they find it hard to stop, as it become habitual to them. Anxiety or depression shows a strong propensity to gambling addiction. Early win in gambling act as an enticement for one to continue gambling, this give one unrealistic success and always want to repeat the experience again and again.
Nowadays internet access is readily available to the majority of the population, as people search for satisfaction they engage themselves in online activities like gambling, since they are readily available (McCarthy, 2005, p. 1). The readily available internet access means one has complete control of his own online activities. Others are a case of immaturity, being rebellious, in secure and being detached from reality. This leads them to engage in online gambling to prove appoint to their colleagues (Catchall, 2005, p. 1).
Analysis
Gambling is an addiction as one becomes dependent on the activity; he cannot do without it, it becomes a necessity to him (Woods, 2006, p. 1). Majority of the gamblers have unique psychological characteristics, it provide instant gratification and disassociation to the addicts. It is used as an escape from stressful situations and other unpleasant feeling.
They engage in the activity to drown their stressful life but with time it becomes a way of life to them (Dryden, 1996, p. 1). Due to the fact that people engage into it even when it hurts them and their loved ones, clearly shows it is not a normal undertaking but driven by a stronger uncontrollable urge for satisfaction.
Some take online gambling as a way of relaxing their mind, the thrill from the outcome anticipation distracts their thinking. This cools their mind and relieves it from stressful thoughts and experiences. It can also be a symptom to other disorders, especially mental related disorders. To other it is a game like any other, they play for the fun of it. They believe there are no side effects of being involved in the gambling game. This is just an escape from reality, if it is for relaxation one need not to be dependent on it.
Due to the fact that one is controlled by it, it ceases from being a game or a symptom to a condition (Aiden, 1999, p. 1). Majority of the victim continue to suffer from the addiction condition due to self denial, they hide in pretence it is just a game like any other. As much as it may be perceived as a way to relieve stress, it is a source of stress and depression itself to the participant. Online gambling is more of an addiction than a game to the players (Petry, 2002, p. 1).
Conclusion
As evidenced in the discussion above, most cases of addiction to online gambling start due to other minor problems. However, this develops to become a very serious problem that affects the individual adversely. It is thus of essence that people restrain from behaviours which could make them addicted to online gambling.
Bibliography
Aiden, M. (1999). Casino and Gaming Jobs. Web.
Catchall, S. (2005). Online Gambling Addictions Have Become a Common Problem. Web.
Dryden, R. (1996). Gambling addiction. Web.
Ladouceur, R. (2002). Understanding And Treating The Pathological Gambler. Web.
McCarthy, A. (2005). The Online gambling addiction. Web.
Petry, N. (2002). Internet gambling breeds addiction. Web.
Smith, M. (2001). Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling. Web.
Woods, H. (2006). Online Gambling: A Growing Addiction. Web.