Gambling involves risking something of value on an event with the possibility of winning something else of value. It can involve games of chance, like dice or bingo, as well as sports betting and casino games. While gambling can be fun and social, it can also be a problem for some people.
A recent study has shown that some forms of therapy can help people with gambling problems, including cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies. These techniques teach individuals how to recognize and confront irrational thoughts, such as the belief that a series of losses is a sign of an imminent win. They also learn to develop alternative ways of soothing unpleasant emotions, such as socializing with friends or engaging in exercise.
Some types of gambling can be a part of normal life, such as lottery tickets and playing card games with friends in private settings. However, other types of gambling can be harmful, such as casino or slot machine play, and sports betting. In addition, some types of gambling can be illegal.
If you suspect that gambling is a problem for you, talk to a counselor or psychiatry provider. You can schedule a virtual counseling or psychiatry appointment using AcademicLiveCare, which is free for all CU Boulder students, staff and faculty. You can also contact a support group for gamblers, such as Gamblers Anonymous. Lastly, try to avoid gambling when you’re feeling down or stressed. It’s much harder to make good decisions when you’re feeling anxious or upset.