Gambling involves risking money or items of value on an event involving chance. This could be the roll of a dice, the spin of a roulette wheel or placing a bet on a horse race. People gamble for a variety of reasons including social, financial, or entertainment. Some people can gamble responsibly but for others gambling can lead to serious problems.
Problem gambling can affect anyone, and it’s important to seek help if you have concerns about someone you care about. It can harm health, relationships and work performance, cause debt, and even lead to suicide. There are several ways to get support for a gambling disorder, from counselling, to medication, to self-help groups such as Gamblers Anonymous.
To reduce the chances of gambling problems, choose only to gamble for entertainment purposes. Set a limit on how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Accept that you’ll lose some of the time and treat any winnings as a bonus. Never chase your losses, believing that you’re due for a big win or that you can ‘make back’ what you’ve lost. This is called the “gambler’s fallacy” and it keeps you gambling, despite mounting losses. Never gamble while intoxicated or when you’re feeling depressed or angry. There’s a strong link between gambling and thoughts of suicide, so if you’re having these feelings, call 999 or visit A&E immediately. You can also get help and advice from StepChange, a free debt charity.