Gambling involves placing something of value, such as money or property, at risk on an event that has an element of chance and offers the potential to win a prize. This event can be a football match, scratchcards, roulette, horse racing, lottery tickets or anything else. The amount you wager is matched to odds, which determine how much you can potentially win. Although most people engage in gambling as a form of entertainment, a small percentage develop an addiction that causes serious personal, family and financial problems.
It’s important to know the warning signs of a problem, so that you can take action before it becomes out of control. A gambling addiction can cause feelings of guilt, anxiety and depression. It can also lead to criminal behaviour, such as forgery, fraud and theft. Some people may even try to conceal the extent of their involvement by lying to family members, therapists and employers. Others may try to escape their feelings by using drugs or alcohol. Some individuals even attempt suicide.
Research suggests that the underlying causes of gambling addiction are complex and include many individual, interpersonal and societal factors. These factors include a tendency to expect an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity, the use of escape coping and stressful life experiences. In addition, some people gamble in order to meet a need for belonging or as a way of achieving status and prestige.
In addition, people with low incomes are particularly vulnerable to gambling addiction, especially if they are male and young. Up to 5% of adolescents and young adults who gamble develop a gambling disorder, which is characterized by the inability to control their gambling behaviour.
Some people can overcome gambling addiction with treatment. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help people change their beliefs about gambling and how they think about it. It can also teach you how to manage your emotions and improve your decision-making skills. CBT is available from a range of health professionals including psychologists, social workers and nurses.
There are a number of ways to tackle gambling addiction, but it’s essential to have support. This can come from family, friends and colleagues, as well as self-help groups. Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step recovery program based on that of Alcoholics Anonymous, is one such group. You can also seek professional support from a doctor or a psychiatrist, who may be able to refer you for specialist services.
To break the habit of gambling, start by deciding how much you are willing to lose and stick to it. This will prevent you from feeling compelled to keep betting even when you are losing money. It is also important not to chase your losses – this means trying to get back the money you have lost. This can be extremely dangerous, so as soon as you start thinking that you are due a win, stop playing. Never spend more money to try and make up for a loss, or you may find yourself in a vicious cycle.