Gambling is an activity where people place a bet on something with an uncertain outcome, such as a football match or scratchcard. They choose what they want to bet on – this could be a team, a colour or an animal – and then the odds are set, for example 5/1 or 2/1. If they win, they will get their money back. There are many reasons why people gamble, including for fun, to socialise with friends, for a thrill or even to try and make money. But gambling can be harmful and some people develop a problem with it. This is known as pathological gambling and is a recognised mental health disorder.
Some people start to feel the need to gamble more and more, and their gambling affects other aspects of their life, such as work or relationships. The behaviour can also cause problems for their family and can even lead to financial difficulties. They might also lie to others and hide their gambling activity.
Pathological gambling is a serious addiction and can cause harm to a person’s life, family and work. It’s important to recognise the signs and get help if you’re worried.
In some cases, people with a gambling problem may have thoughts of suicide. These can be very frightening and should be treated as a serious matter. It is important to seek help for yourself or a loved one if you think this is the case.
Many people are at risk of developing a gambling problem. It can happen to anyone who has the desire to bet, but there are some people who have a more severe problem than others. People with a gambling problem can experience anxiety, depression, loss of control and a lack of self-respect.
There are many ways to help a gambling problem, such as speaking to a trusted friend or professional counsellor. You can also reduce your risk by not using credit cards, not carrying large amounts of cash and not playing when you’re feeling low. It’s also helpful to find other recreational and social activities and hobbies.
Gambling can be addictive and can lead to problems such as debt, bankruptcy, relationship breakdown, health issues, substance abuse and even crime. The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges that gambling is a public health issue, which should be addressed through multi-sectoral action to reduce the negative impact on health. This should include reducing stigma and shame, limiting advertising and promotion, and focusing on other upstream efforts to prevent gambling harm. In addition, it is essential to address the growing role of gambling in illicit trade and money laundering activities.