Gambling involves risking something of value (money, property, etc) in the hope of winning something else of value. It can be done at casinos, on the race track or even in the local pub. It is important to understand how gambling works as it can lead to harm.
The first step in gambling is choosing what to gamble on – this could be a football team to win or buying a scratchcard. This choice is then matched to ‘odds’, which indicate how much you could win. The higher the odds, the more likely you are to win but there is no guarantee.
Despite the high stakes and glamorous images of glitzy casinos, gambling is an addictive activity that can have severe effects on people’s lives. It can affect your mental health, relationships, work or study and leave you in serious debt. It can even cause suicide in some cases. The good news is, help and support is available.
Several different types of therapy are used to treat gambling disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy and family therapy. You may also find help by speaking to a trusted friend or attending a self-help group for families such as Gamblers Anonymous. You can also ask for help from your GP or a counsellor. Some people with gambling disorder can stop gambling on their own, but most will need treatment. If you have a problem with gambling, it’s important to get help right away.