Imagine you’re in a twinkly, noisy casino, feeling the excitement of a new game. You’ve just had a buffet and a couple of free cocktails, and you can’t wait to see whether you’ve got luck on your side. You might think it’s the perfect time to roll the dice, but before you do, you should know that gambling isn’t quite how it looks in the movies.
It is important to understand the risks associated with gambling, including mental health issues and financial problems. People gamble for a variety of reasons: to get the adrenaline rush, socialise or escape from worries and stress. However, for some people, gambling can be addictive and cause them to take big risks. This can damage their physical and mental health, affect relationships, hinder their performance at work or study, and even lead to serious debt and homelessness. In addition, there is a strong link between gambling and suicide.
Problem gambling affects a wide range of people from all walks of life. It is more common in men than women, and can start at any age. Children as young as seven may struggle to control their spending on video games that require micro-transactions and payments. It can also impact older people who feel isolated or bored. People who have a mood disorder, such as depression, are more likely to gamble and can experience difficulties with stopping.
The exact definition of gambling varies by state, but generally it involves risking something of value on an event that is not within your control. This could be anything from betting on a football match to buying a scratchcard. In both cases, the decision to gamble is matched to a set of ‘odds’, which are calculated by the bookmaker and determine how much you might win. This is the bargain that people enter into, believing they might be able to beat the odds and win money, even though there is no guarantee of success.
In a casino or a betting shop, you should only gamble with disposable income that you can afford to lose. Ideally, this should be separate from the money you’ve set aside to pay your bills or rent. If you have to use your disposable income for gambling, try to do so in small amounts and only when you’re in the mood.
It’s important to seek help for a gambling problem, as it can cause serious and lasting harm. Counselling is an effective treatment, as are support groups and self-help tips. You should also seek help for underlying issues that could be making you feel compelled to gamble, such as depression or anxiety.
Some people find that it’s difficult to stop gambling despite getting help for their addiction. If this is the case for you, you should talk to your GP about how best to manage your symptoms. You can also visit the National Gambling Helpline, which is staffed by trained professionals who can provide advice and support on a confidential basis. This service is available 24/7.