Gambling Addiction: Why Does Gambling Make Me Excited?
For many people, gambling starts as a bit of fun: a lottery ticket, a football bet with friends, a night at a casino. For some, it gradually becomes something they cannot stop, even as debts grow and relationships suffer. Gambling problems rarely affect only the person who gambles. Partners, children, parents and siblings often carry the emotional and financial weight too.
One person’s story
In a 2016 CNA Insider feature, a man in Singapore described how he began gambling heavily in his twenties, first at casinos while travelling for work and later on football bets at home. His losses mounted, he lost his job, borrowed from loan sharks and was repeatedly bailed out by his family. At his lowest point he took and pawned a family member’s jewellery, lost the money within days, and was overwhelmed by guilt to the point of having thoughts of suicide. He eventually sought treatment at a mental health institute, joined a gambling support group, and spoke about wanting to be present for his son. His message to others was to seek help early.
His story shows how gambling can take over a person’s thoughts and actions, and how shame and desperation can build. It also shows that recovery is possible.
If gambling losses or debt have left you feeling hopeless or thinking about suicide, please reach out now.
Talian HEAL (KKM): 15555 · Befrienders KL (24 hours): 03-7627 2929 · Emergency: 999 or go to the nearest emergency department.
What is gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction, also called problem gambling or compulsive gambling, means continuing to gamble despite the harm it causes. When the pattern is persistent and causes significant distress or problems, a qualified professional may diagnose gambling disorder, the term used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Only a qualified professional can make this diagnosis.
Signs that gambling may have become a problem include:
- Being unable to control or cut down on gambling
- Needing to bet more money to feel the same excitement
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop
- Constantly thinking about gambling or how to get money to gamble
- Chasing losses, gambling more to win back what was lost
- Lying to family or others about gambling
- Putting relationships, work or studies at risk
- Relying on others to pay off gambling debts
Gambling in Malaysia
Some forms of gambling, such as licensed lotteries, horse racing at licensed racecourses and the licensed casino, are legal in Malaysia under specific laws, and they come with restrictions such as age limits. Other forms, including unlicensed betting and many online gambling sites, are illegal. Whether gambling is legal or not, the risk of harm to the person and their family is the same.
Why does gambling feel so exciting?
There is usually no single reason why someone develops a gambling problem. Factors that can play a part include:
- The brain’s reward system. Gambling activates the same reward pathways, involving the chemical messenger dopamine, that respond to other pleasurable experiences. The unpredictability of wins, and near-misses, can make gambling especially gripping.
- Learning from family. Children learn by watching the adults around them. Growing up with a parent who gambles can make gambling seem normal.
- Using gambling to cope. Some people gamble to escape stress, loneliness, boredom or low mood. Over time this can become a cycle that is hard to break.
- Easy access. Online gambling and betting apps make it possible to gamble at any time, often without others noticing.
Can it be treated?
Yes. Many people recover from gambling problems, and the sooner help is sought, the easier recovery tends to be. Progress varies from person to person.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps people recognise unhelpful beliefs, such as “my next win will fix everything”, and build practical skills to manage urges and avoid triggers.
- Motivational approaches help people explore their own reasons for change.
- Support groups reduce shame and isolation and offer encouragement from people with similar experiences.
- Family counselling helps loved ones understand gambling problems, set healthy boundaries and support recovery.
- Medical review. Depression and anxiety often occur alongside gambling problems. A doctor or psychiatrist can assess whether treatment for these would help.
Practical steps you can take
- Talk to someone you trust about what is happening
- Limit access to money, for example by handing control of finances to a trusted person for a while
- Block or delete gambling apps and websites
- Fill your time with activities and people that support your wellbeing
- Seek professional help for both the gambling and any debt problems
If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, our registered psychologists and counsellors can help, in person or online. Learn more about counselling at BeLive in Psychology, or contact us on WhatsApp at 018-206 7313 or by email at [email protected].
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
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