Gambling is a popular pastime for many people, but it can also be addictive. Many people use gambling to socialise, escape from stress and worries, or for the adrenaline rush of winning money. However, for some people the risks can become out of control and lead to serious problems that can affect their mental health. If you’re worried that you may be gambling too much, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. There are a range of treatments and support available for people with gambling problems, including self-help tips and family therapy.
The first step in tackling any addiction is to identify your triggers. Identifying the situations, locations or people that cause you to gamble is essential. Then you can begin to find ways to change your habits and prevent relapse. For example, you might decide to stop visiting casinos or online gambling websites if they make you feel addicted. Alternatively, you could try to replace these activities with hobbies or other ways of socialising, such as taking part in a community sports team or volunteering. You can also ask for help from friends and family, or even seek professional treatment from a therapist.
Having a clear understanding of gambling can help you avoid problem behaviours and keep you safe. Here are some key facts about gambling and how it works.
What is gambling?
Gambling involves betting something of value in exchange for the chance to win a prize. It’s usually a game of chance, but skill can play a role too. This can include placing bets on football matches, buying scratchcards, playing poker or online casino games. It is often illegal to gamble in certain places, such as at a casino or racetrack, but it can be done in other places, like betting shops or on the Internet.
While some people think that gambling is all about risking money, it actually involves a complex series of decisions and a lot of luck. Some studies have found that people with a genetic predisposition to thrill-seeking behaviour or impulsivity are more likely to develop a gambling addiction. This can be due to differences in the way their brains process reward information, control impulses or weigh risk.
Research has shown that gambling can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. It can also damage relationships and cause financial stress. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. You can speak to a GP or visit the NHS for support. There are also a number of support groups available for people with gambling problems, including the National Gambling Helpline.
There are some positive impacts of gambling. Some of these benefits are personal to the gambler, while others are at the interpersonal and societal/ community level (Fig. 1). Interpersonal impacts affect the gambler’s family, friends and work colleagues. Societal impacts can also affect the whole community, such as increased debt and homelessness.