The lost gamblers

For some, gambling is a harmless pleasure. For others it is a wrecker of lives. Charities such as Gamblers Anonymous (gamblersanonymous.org.uk) and Gamcare (Gamcare.org.uk) exist to help such people; but why do they find themselves addicted to gambling and unable to resist its allure? Gambling behaviour is complex, yet most psychological research has confined itself to narrow areas of specialisation. Dr Mark Griffiths tells us that a more integrated approach is needed to understand the power of the gamble.