Whether it’s playing poker, betting on a horse race or buying a lottery ticket, gambling is a form of risk-taking where the outcome depends on luck and chance. For some people, it can be enjoyable but for others, it may affect their health and relationships, cause financial problems and lead to debt and even homelessness. Fortunately, effective treatments are available to help overcome the problem. This article describes what gambling is, how it works and what steps you can take to reduce or stop your own or someone else’s gambling.
There are many different ways to gamble, from playing card games, scratchcards or bingo to betting on sports, accumulators and Lottery. There are also online gambling websites and apps that allow you to play from the comfort of your own home. In some countries, gambling is illegal but it is possible to find treatment for compulsive gambling online or at a local support group.
The earliest evidence of gambling dates back to ancient China. Tiles found in a tomb of a wealthy person showed rudimentary gameboards and chips. Nowadays, gambling is a huge industry and it’s more acceptable than ever before, with four out of five Americans saying they have gambled at some point in their lives. Gambling can be very addictive and it’s important to keep your own or someone else’s gambling under control by setting money and time limits and not chasing losses.
It’s easy to rationalise your gambling – especially after you’ve had a good win – and it is difficult to recognise when it becomes problematic. Some people hide their gambling, even from family and friends, but this is often a sign that the problem is severe. You may also feel like you are the only one with this issue or that it is a cultural thing, which can make it harder to talk about and seek help.
A key to controlling your gambling is knowing what triggers you and managing your moods. Try to avoid gambling when you’re feeling low or stressed and don’t let it interfere with your work or other activities. It’s also important to balance your gambling with other healthy hobbies and social activities, and never spend more money than you can afford to lose.
You should also learn more about the types of gambling treatments that are available and discuss them with your loved one. Some of these treatments are more effective than others and they can include cognitive-behavioural therapy, which teaches you to challenge irrational beliefs. These are often based on the belief that you’re due for a big win after a streak of losses, or that a close call (e.g. two out of three cherries on a slot machine) will soon turn into a big payout. You could also suggest that they join a peer support group, as this can be an excellent way to meet people who have similar experiences and are in the same boat.