Gambling is an activity where you risk money or material valuables in the hope of winning. You place a bet on something – for example, the outcome of a football match or a scratchcard game – and hope that you are correct. It’s an exciting, often addictive activity. But gambling can have serious consequences, and it’s important to be aware of the risks involved.
People who gamble may be at higher risk of having mental health problems such as depression, stress or anxiety. These conditions can be triggered by gambling and make it difficult to stop. Gambling can also be associated with a range of financial problems, including borrowing to fund it, hiding bets from friends and family, and even spending more than you can afford.
The first step in getting help is admitting you have a problem, but this can be hard for people who have lost a lot of money and strained or broken relationships as a result of their addiction. You can take steps to tackle your gambling habits by reducing your access to money (removing credit cards or keeping them in a safe place where they can’t be used for betting, letting a spouse or family member manage your finances, closing your online gambling accounts), removing yourself from environments that trigger you to gamble and trying to focus on more enjoyable activities.
It’s also important to remember that no form of gambling is more addictive than others – it all comes down to luck. It’s easy to lose track of time when gambling, so try and limit how long you spend playing.