Gambling is when people risk something of value – such as money or goods – in the hope of winning something. It can happen in casinos, racetracks, betting shops and even on the internet. Most people who gamble do so without problems, but some develop gambling disorder, which is a mental health problem and recognised in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition).
There are links between gambling and depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts. Gambling can also make existing problems worse, such as debt or relationship issues. Many people who have mental health problems are more at risk of harmful gambling, as they may gamble to try and feel better or distract themselves from other symptoms.
You can protect yourself by understanding the odds and how gambling works. This helps you make more informed decisions, so you can have a safer time gambling and avoid the pitfalls of chasing losses or thinking you’re on a lucky streak.
It’s important to remember that if you are gambling, the house always has an edge. This is either predetermined (like the roulette wheel with a 35-to-1 payout) or fluctuating (think of betting odds moving up and down). You can reduce your access to gambling money by closing online accounts, reducing your credit cards, letting someone else manage your finances, staying away from places where you know you might gamble and asking friends to help keep you out of trouble.
