Ever since Homo Ludens, man's need for games has been alive and well, and playing has always been the basis of entertainment, something that excites, stimulates, educates and relaxes us when we are tired and over-stressed.
Gambling has been a fixture of civilised culture for as long as man can remember, and the unexpected twists and turns that come with the vicissitudes of fortune keep those brave and adventurous gamblers who dare to take a chance in the hope of a big win in perpetual suspense.
If we follow the development of gambling through history, we can find countless instances of real-life stories in which the reins of gambling have slipped from the protagonist's hands, and gambling has overtaken human destiny and set in motion a sinister series of events.
But who would want to talk about extremes when it is well known that there are ways of playing that do not involve danger and are just for fun? It is responsible gambling that is and should be discussed in relation to gambling.
The emergence of a culture of healthy and safe gambling is not that long ago, roughly coinciding with the emergence of modern gambling laws, and although gambling itself has a tradition going back thousands of years, the concept of responsible gambling has only been seriously addressed by the profession and the relevant sciences for a few decades.
The point of responsible gambling is not to deprive the individual of the pleasure of playing, but to instil moderation, within reasonable limits, rather than self-imposed limits, in those who, leaving healthy and safe boundaries behind, may be too eager to plunge into the pleasures of games in the hope of an imagined huge, game-changing prize.
Human nature is basically a seeker of constant stimulation and joy. This is a healthy phenomenon, but gambling has the danger that the thrill of gambling can cause the adrenaline-seeking gambler to become out of control and lose control of his decisions.
Taking the occasional risk is healthy, as courage is what drives people to progress, but the human psyche cannot always cope with the sometimes overwhelming pressures of gambling, and gambling addiction can develop, which can be as harmful as alcohol or other mind-altering drugs.
Gambling addiction is also a disease and should be treated in the same way as a general addiction, namely by complete abstinence.
But before we can get to this drastic level, it is useful to be more aware of the rules and useful frameworks for moderation and responsible play.
The concept of responsible gambling is that a gambler who likes to gamble does not endanger his own well-being and takes care of his surroundings.
If the player broadens his knowledge of the rules of the games, is aware of his financial situation and is conscious of his own interests and those of his environment, gambling can now be used responsibly and safely by all adults who are able to exercise moderation and discretion, even if the idea of winning is very attractive to them.
If gambling is a daily or weekly activity, it is advisable to stick to a predetermined financial limit and not to leave it with any tempting offers or promises of huge winnings. Abandoning the game using a predetermined budget is a major sign of responsibility among regular gamblers.
Irresponsible gambling can lead to many physical, mental and financial problems, so its dangers are not in dispute.
Financial crises caused by irresponsible gambling can often lead to the break-up of entire families, mental illness and physical illness. The stress and constant anxiety caused by losses can affect not only the mind but also the body, which is why gambling addiction is considered a real addiction and treated as a disease.
It is precisely for these reasons that gambling should be regulated by law, so that regulations and limits can go some way to alleviating the problems and preventing the harm caused by the irresponsible use of gambling that is emerging.
Among these legislative measures, the following points must be included:
Resources to address gambling addiction can come from a myriad of places. The most important thing is determination, which is perhaps the most difficult part of the recovery process.