Gambling involves placing something of value, like money, on an uncertain outcome. It’s a high-stakes game of chance that can be fun and exciting, but it can also leave you feeling empty and frustrated if you lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, it’s important to talk about it and seek help. There are many ways to get support, including talking to a friend or family member, using our self-assessment tool and finding local helpline support through GamCare.
It’s easy to become caught up in the excitement of gambling and lose track of time, particularly when you’re surrounded by flashing lights, buzzing machines and other distractions. But even if you’re just playing a few hands of blackjack or spins on an online slot, it can quickly add up and impact your life in other ways. For example, if you’re spending more than your budget allows you to, it’s important to set a limit for how much time you want to spend and stop as soon as that amount is reached. This way you’ll be able to enjoy other activities or save some of your winnings for a rainy day.
Another issue with gambling is that it can be addictive and lead to serious problems, such as loss of control or even suicide. It’s been shown that people with gambling disorders have a higher suicide risk than those who don’t. This is because gambling is often used to distract from other issues or feelings, and it can become a vicious cycle where one loses more and more until they are completely out of funds and have nowhere else to turn.
While most studies focus on the financial and economic impacts of gambling, the personal and interpersonal impacts have received less attention. These are the costs or benefits that affect those closest to gamblers, such as friends and family. This can include everything from increased stress to escalating debt that leads to bankruptcy and homelessness.
To help protect yourself from gambling, make sure you have a solid support network and consider taking steps to stop gambling altogether. This may involve setting boundaries in managing your money, asking for help from a gambling counselor or seeking out peer support from a group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Also, be sure to close any gambling accounts and keep only a small amount of cash on you at all times. Also, remember to never chase your losses – thinking you’ll suddenly hit the jackpot and recoup all your previous losses is called the gambler’s fallacy and it’s a dangerous illusion that can cost you big in the long run.
