stopassistedsuicide Gambling is wagering something of value on a random event, with the aim of winning something else of value. The events can be physical, like scratchcards or fruit machines; or they can be social, such as a football accumulator; or they can be an event that happens at some point in the future, such as an election or a lottery draw. Examples of gambling include betting on horse or dog races, bingo and instant scratch cards. Gambling is a very popular pastime, with estimates of worldwide legal turnover exceeding $10 trillion. The majority of the money is placed in casino games, sports bets and lotteries.
Despite its popularity, it is not without risk. It is estimated that up to 5% of people who gamble develop a gambling disorder and men are more likely than women to develop the problem. It can also lead to family breakdown, relationship problems and a lack of concentration at work or school, cause debt and even homelessness. In the UK alone, suicide is linked to problem gambling and Public Health England has reported that it contributes to almost as many deaths as road traffic accidents.
Some people may start to gamble for coping reasons, such as to try and forget their worries or because it gives them a sense of confidence. However, this does not absolve them of responsibility for their addiction and can only mask the underlying problem.
The main risks associated with gambling are losing control of finances and putting one’s personal safety at risk. It is therefore important to understand why people get hooked on gambling and what the signs are that someone has a problem.
A person with a gambling problem is likely to spend more time than usual on gambling activities and will be reluctant to stop. He or she will continue to gamble even when it is causing financial difficulties. The person may lie to friends and family about their spending habits and will use excuses to justify their behaviour.
If you have concerns about a loved one’s gambling, seek help immediately. Talk to a professional and find out about local referral resources, such as certified gambling counselors and intensive treatment programs. It is also helpful to strengthen your support network and try to find other ways to have fun that do not involve gambling, such as joining a book club, sports team or volunteer group. You can also join a peer support program, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modelled on Alcoholics Anonymous. This will give you the opportunity to meet other people who have had similar experiences and can offer advice and guidance. You could also consider family therapy or marriage, career and credit counseling. This will help you deal with the specific issues caused by the gambling and repair your relationships.