Gambling involves any activity where you risk something of value for a chance to win a prize. This can include lotteries, casino games, sports bets, online slots and more. Many people gamble at casinos, racetracks and other land-based establishments but you can also gamble in your living room, at home or on the internet. Gambling can be a form of entertainment, but it’s important to know your limits and play responsibly.
Gambling has both negative and positive impacts on individuals, communities and society. The negative impacts can be at the personal and interpersonal level, affecting the gamblers themselves or at societal/community level where they affect people who are not gamblers. They can be monetary or non-monetary and include general costs, harms related to problem gambling and long-term costs.
The good news is that you can overcome a gambling problem. It takes strength and courage, especially if you’ve lost money and strained or broken relationships as a result of your addiction. But you can get help and rebuild your life.
The most important step is to recognise that you have a problem. Take a look at some of the signs you might have an addiction to gambling and then talk to a therapist about it.