Gambling is risking money or something of value on the outcome of a game of chance. It can be done in many different ways, including on scratchcards, fruit machines and by betting with friends. If you predict the outcome correctly, you win money. If you lose, you lose the money you put in. Gambling is legal in most countries and there are many gambling venues, from casinos to online betting sites. Most people who gamble do so without problems, but a small number develop gambling disorder – an addictive behaviour that causes significant distress or impairment.
It can be hard to recognise when gambling becomes a problem, but there are some warning signs. For example, missing important events such as work or family occasions may be a sign that you are spending too much time on gambling. People who have severe gambling disorders are at high risk of suicide – they often see suicide as the only way out of their financial and emotional problems.
The best way to help someone with a gambling addiction is to talk openly about it with somebody who won’t judge them. This could be a friend, family member or a professional counsellor. Other things that can help are setting boundaries in managing money, reducing financial risk factors (for example, not using credit cards and carrying large amounts of cash) and finding alternative recreational activities or hobbies to replace gambling. It can also be useful to join a support group for gamblers, such as Gamblers Anonymous.
