What is Gambling?
Gambling is an activity where you place a bet with another person or entity on an event whose outcome is not known. The bet can be a sum of money or something else of value and the prize is usually a reward if you win.
There are a number of different types of gambling including gaming, betting, lotteries and speculating on business and the stock market. Each of these is different and involves a different element of risk.
The most common form of gambling is the traditional form which is done by placing a bet on a sporting event or lottery. It’s also possible to place bets online and on the telephone.
When you gamble, it is important to know how much you can afford to lose and when to stop. This can help you to manage your gambling and avoid becoming addicted.
Set time and money limits for your gambling and always stop when you reach them. It’s also a good idea to have someone you can talk to about your gambling if it is starting to have a negative effect on your life.
Problem Gambling
When people start to get into problems with gambling they may find it hard to control their behaviour and start to hide it or minimise the damage. This can lead to a lot of stress and worry for them and their families.
Problem gambling can affect all areas of a person’s life including mental health, their relationships and performance at work or study. It can also cause them to end up in debt and even homelessness.
If you or a loved one is in this situation then it is really important to seek professional support as soon as possible. This can help you to understand the extent of the problem and give you a plan of action for getting help.
A problem gambler’s family and friends can also suffer as they will have to cope with the pressure of managing a ‘problem’ partner. Many family members try to avoid talking about their loved one’s gambling and don’t want to put them down or make them feel bad.
You can be a great help to a loved one who is suffering from a gambling addiction by offering them support. This can be difficult to do when they’re in a state of denial but it will be a positive thing for you and them.
There are a number of things you can do to help a loved one who is suffering from ‘problem gambling’ such as putting restrictions on their finances, ensuring they don’t spend too much money and never chasing their losses! These actions are important in helping the ‘problem’ gambler to change their behaviour and stop taking part in it.
It is also a good idea to speak to your doctor as they can offer you guidance and support in treating the gambling issue. They can also refer you to a local centre for treatment.