Gambling is the wagering of something of value (money, property or other assets) on an event whose outcome is determined at least in part by chance. It involves a conscious decision to risk something of value in the hope of gaining something of greater value. While most people gamble at some point in their lives, a significant subset of individuals develop problem gambling that negatively affects their daily functioning and well-being.
The development of gambling problems is associated with various factors, including genetics and environment. It also can be triggered by stress, a history of substance use disorders and other psychological conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder. Gambling can lead to addiction and even suicide in severe cases. More than half of the UK population engages in some form of gambling activity. For some, this can be an enjoyable pastime, but for others it can damage their physical and mental health, hurt relationships, impact performance at work or study and leave them in serious debt and even homeless.
The first step is to set clear boundaries and establish how much you’re prepared to lose. This will help you avoid gambling beyond your means and keep you away from temptation. You can also limit your exposure to casino gambling by avoiding gambling websites, limiting access to credit cards and closing online betting accounts. If you’re struggling to break the habit, try strengthening your support network with friends who don’t gamble or find new ways to relieve boredom or unpleasant feelings like loneliness, such as exercising, socializing with non-gambling peers, enrolling in a hobby or taking up a relaxation technique.