Gambling is an activity in which people stake something of value (money or anything else) on a game of chance with the hope of winning a prize. It is a common activity and occurs in many places, including casinos, racetracks, gas stations, churches, sporting events and on the Internet. Some forms of gambling involve skill, while others are pure chance. Regardless of the form, all gambling involves consideration, risk and a prize.
While a small number of people have gambling problems, it is important to remember that most people gamble responsibly and don’t experience any harm. However, for those who are at risk of becoming problem gamblers, it is vital to seek help if they think their gambling is out of control.
A problem with gambling is often hidden and can have devastating consequences on families and work. Problem gambling is not only a drain on the economy, but also leads to personal distress and deteriorating relationships. It can also lead to substance abuse, mental illness and even suicide.
Keeping gambling out of your life is not easy. It is especially challenging to stay in recovery when you are surrounded by tempting environments and websites, and you have to give up control of your finances. However, you can maintain recovery by surrounding yourself with people who support your decision and setting money and time limits for how much and how long you will gamble. Lastly, never chase your losses – this is known as the gambler’s fallacy and it usually leads to bigger losses.
Understanding how gambling works can help you to make smarter decisions about your spending and avoid the pitfalls that may come with it. The following pages provide an overview of gambling – what it is, how it works and the risks.
A definition of harm is central to the debate on gambling and it is essential that the issue is considered from a public health perspective. It is therefore essential that the definition of harm is functional, consistent with standard epidemiological protocols used in public health and able to identify a taxonomy of harms experienced by the person who gambles, their affected others and the community.
If you have a friend or family member who is a problem gambler, it is important to understand the complexities of helping them get back on track. There are a range of supports available, including helplines and community groups. You can also access information and resources at The Responsible Gambling Council. There is also a wealth of self-help literature available, which is a great starting point for anyone who is concerned about their own or a loved one’s gambling habits.