Institute for Mental Helath
Received: 10. February, 2020
Accepted: 4. March, 2020
UDK: 316.723:343.56(091)
Pages: 95-106
doi:
The aim of the research is to analyze the socio-cultural aspect of gambling throughout history. Gambling has had activity that have always been present in most cultures. Attitude and social reaction to gambling change their shape depending on different socio-cultural aspects and dominant epochs of a given time. Gambling was first viewed as a sin, then as a form of criminal activity, and finally, as a disease of addiction. It is widespread in all societies and is legalized to varying degrees, depending on legal provisions. Today, as a social phenomenon, it is subject to complex determinism and is recognized and treated as a "behavioural control disorder". Social states and processes such as anomie, industrialization, liberalization, the power of media propaganda, transition, imperative mode of having a "market" outcome, diminishing influence of the traditional family, modern society is becoming a suitable ground for the development of pathological gambling. The concluding points focus on recommendations aimed at raising the awareness of individuals and families about the importance of correctly interpreting the messages of the contemporary social context, and in order to prevent gambling.
KEY WORDS: : gambling/ pathological gambling/ socio- cultural aspect/ history
