Gambling is the betting or staking of something of value, with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on an uncertain event whose outcome is determined by chance or accident. This activity is sometimes called the “game of chances.” Gambling includes both games of pure chance and those where skills can improve the chances of winning.
Some people may be able to control their gambling, but for others it can cause problems. It can affect their health and relationships, their performance at work or studies and can even lead to debt and homelessness. It is important for people to recognise the signs that they are becoming addicted to gambling.
A person who is addicted to gambling may lie about how much they gamble, try to hide their activities and spend more time at the casino or online. They might also try to get money from family and friends or borrow money to fund their gambling. They might feel the need to gamble in secret and be unable to stop until they have spent all their money or reached a certain level of loss. Some people who are addicted to gambling can become depressed or anxious and they may be at increased risk of suicide.
Problem gambling can cause significant harm to individuals, their families and the economy. It can lead to mental and physical health problems, financial difficulties, relationship conflict and suicide. It can also affect children. Children as young as seven can be at risk of developing a gambling problem, particularly when they are exposed to television advertisements and video games that require micro-transactions and payments. People with depression and anxiety can be at higher risk of gambling problems, as can people who have suffered abuse or trauma. Men are more likely to develop a gambling problem than women. People who have jobs in casinos, bookmakers or arcades are also more likely to develop a gambling problem.
It is possible to overcome a gambling addiction. A person can start by limiting their gambling, creating boundaries for themselves and avoiding tempting situations. They can also seek help from a professional. A trained therapist can teach a person to identify and cope with their triggers, provide support and advice on how to change unhealthy patterns of behavior. They can also help a person to develop a healthy coping strategy and find other ways to deal with stress and boredom. This might include joining a sports team, book club or volunteering for a charity. They can also try a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model used by Alcoholics Anonymous. It can be helpful for a person to have a sponsor, who is a former gambler who has remained free from gambling addiction.