Gambling is betting or staking something of value, with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on an uncertain event, where the outcome is determined by chance or accident. It is possible to win money from gambling, but it is also very easy to lose a lot of money.
People gamble for a variety of reasons. Some gamble to relieve stress; others do it as a form of entertainment, to socialise or to change their mood. For many people who struggle with gambling addiction, the reason is linked to an underlying mental health issue. It’s important to get help for your gambling problem, and there are lots of support services available.
The biggest step is realising you have a gambling problem – it can be hard to admit this, especially if you’ve lost a lot of money and strained or broken relationships along the way. There are many things you can do to get help, from speaking to a therapist (see our guide to finding a therapist) to joining a self-help group for families such as Gam-Anon.
Managing your money is essential when trying to stop gambling. You should set a limit on how much you are willing to spend and only gamble with that amount. It is also important to keep a record of your gambling. You should also consider removing yourself from the environment that triggers your urges, such as casinos and online betting websites, and getting someone else to manage your money for you.