Gambling has accompanied mankind throughout the centuries, from the dice used in Ancient China to the mathematical strategies developed by scientists such as Galileo Galilei, Blaise Pascal or Christiaan Huygens. Apparently simple and particularly attractive, these games generated a constant fascination among scientists, who laid the foundations of probability theory and, later, of game theory. However, with technological progress and the diversification of betting types, gambling has become an economic, social and medical phenomenon of major interest.
Gambling has accompanied mankind throughout the centuries, from the dice used in Ancient China to the mathematical strategies developed by scientists such as Galileo Galilei, Blaise Pascal or Christiaan Huygens. Apparently simple and particularly attractive, these games generated a constant fascination among scientists, who laid the foundations of probability theory and, later, of game theory. However, with technological progress and the diversification of betting types, gambling has become an economic, social and medical phenomenon of major interest.
1. The Origins and Evolution of Gambling
From dice to books and lottery
The first forms of betting were discovered in the Chinese space since 2300 BC, with the use of dice in various competitions. From here, the concept migrated to the Roman Empire and spread in medieval Europe, where sometimes even whole territories were decided by throwing dice.
Playing cards also appeared in China, and their introduction to Europe came with cultural adaptations (such as the addition of the queen to the deck by the French). The lottery, in an early form, was used since the time of the Roman Empire, and in England it became official in the 16th century, to finance some public projects and to support poor communities.
The development of probability theory and game theory
Galileo Galilei is credited with the first work strictly dedicated to dice games (“Considerizazione sopra il Giuco dei Daddi”). Later, Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat laid the foundations of the theory of probabilities, and Jacob Bernoulli took this scientific approach further. Oskar Morgenstern and John von Neumann would create, in the 20th century, a special theory of games, focused on the strategies and decisions of the participants.
2. The Economic Dimension: The Gambling Industry
With a history of thousands of years, gambling today represents a global industry, continuously growing. In many countries, they are among the first branches in terms of income, and their legalization led to the emergence of internationally recognized gambling “hubs” (such as Las Vegas or Macau).
Expansion of the sector
- Since the 1970s, the popularity of gambling has grown exponentially around the globe.
- In the United States, approximately 85% of the adult population has gambled at least once, according to studies from the end of the 20th century.
- In Norway, more than 80% of the population tried different forms of betting, and 40% gambled at least once a week.
The situation in Romania
- A survey conducted in 2000 by Insomar revealed that 63% of Romanians participated in games of chance and contests with prizes, and of those who did not participate, 23% intended to do so.
- In recent decades, various TV lotteries (Bingo, TeleEurobingo, etc.) have become popular, and more recently the industry has expanded to electronic slot machines (“pacanes”), sports betting and online casino games.
- Along with the regulation of the gambling market in Romania, marketing affiliates for casinos also appeared. They play an important role in the advertising industry, being the intermediaries between gambling operators and casinos. They have access to the newest promotional offers on the market and, in most cases, they have a website where they display all the offers from the newest online casinos in Romaniain this case.
3. Classification of Games of Chance and the Risk Factor
Games of chance are divided into several categories, the most common being:
- Games in casinos (ruleta, blackjack, poker etc.)
- Mechanical/electronic games (slot machines, aparate de poker etc.)
- Lottery (Loto 6/49, loz in plic)
- Sports betting (football matches, horse races)
- Bingo and other charity games
International studies (Rossow & Hansen, 2003; Turner, 2004) show that electronic slot machines present a major risk in the development of addiction, due to the fast way of betting and the “adrenaline” at each spin.
4. Gambling Addiction: Assessment Tools
Signs and symptoms of addiction
- Interference with social life, school or work.
- Emotional problems, states of anxiety or depression.
- Significant financial losses, large debts.
- Tensions in the family or in the circle of friends.
Self-assessment questionnaires
- The NCPG questionnaire (National Council on Compulsive Gambling) contains 10 questions that evaluate gambling behavior. If the answer is “YES” to any of these questions, there is a clear risk of addiction.
- South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) – a test developed by Lesieur & Blume, widely used for both adults and adolescents.
- Canadian Severity Index (CPGSI) – created to measure the prevalence and severity of addiction.
5. Challenges and Perspectives
Statistical data and the need for research
One of the aspects pointed out by the specialists is the lack of uniform and detailed statistical data, especially in countries like Romania. The rapid expansion of the gambling industry (including in the online environment) requires solid sociological reports and analyses, which help to formulate effective public policies.
Impact economic si social
- On the one hand, the revenues from fees and taxes related to gambling contribute to the budget, visibly increasing receipts at the national level.
- On the other hand, the problems associated with addiction are intensifying (personal bankruptcies, family conflicts, criminality, etc.), which increases the pressure on health and social assistance institutions.
ConCluSIonS
Gambling combines both entertainment and risk, representing a complex phenomenon with economic, social and medical ramifications. Having a long history and an impressive global development, the gambling industry requires increased attention from the authorities and specialists in the field of mental health.
A better knowledge of the typology of gambling, the profile of the players, as well as the assessment and prevention tools can contribute to reducing the negative impact of addiction. In an age where technology facilitates access to numerous betting platforms, education, regulation and scientific study become essential to maintain a balance between entertainment and the risks associated with these games.
Sources:
- Gambling activity statistics – Lect. Dr. Steliana RIZEANU, Hyperion University, Bucharest Conf. university Dr. Gheorghe SĂVOIU University of Pitesti
- Blaszczynski, A. (2010). Overcoming compulsive gambling. London: Robinson.
- Bucur, A. (2000). The Romanian was born bingomaniac. Freedom, March 23, 9.
- Coombs, R.H. (2004). Handbook of Addiction Disorders. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.
- Disley, E., Pollitt, A., Culley, D.M., Rubin, J. (2011/ Map the Gap, a criticai review of the literature on gambling-related harm. Santa Monica: RAND Corporation
- Casinou.ro – ONJN license no 1046/19.06.2017
- Korn, D.A. (2000). Expansion of gambling in Canada: implications for health and social policy. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 163(1), 61-64.
- Lupu, V. (2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy in pathological gambling: A case analysis. Journal of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies, 8(2):
- Wolf, V. (2008). Pathological gambling in adolescents. Cluj-Napoca: Ed. Risoprint.
- Rizeanu, S. (2011). Psychotherapeutic intervention in pathological gambling. Paper presented at the International Conference of Integrative Psychotherapy, 21st Century Psychotherapy. May 28-29, 2011, published in the Abstracts of the International Conference of Integrative Psychotherapy, Craiova: Liber Mundi.
- Rizeanu, S. (2011). Pathological gambling. Prevention and treatment. Paper presented at the Scientific Communications Session, Hyperion University of Bucharest, December 2011.
- National Gambling Impact Studjf Commission (1999). National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report. Washington, D.C.: JSFational Gambling Impact Study Commission.
Source: www.descopera.ro
