Gambling is the placing of a bet on an event whose outcome will be determined largely by chance. This could include betting on a football match, buying a scratchcard or playing online casino games like video poker. The risk involved is the amount of money that will be forfeited if you lose, and the prize is what you hope to win. The chances of winning or losing are reflected in the ‘odds’, which you can find on betting websites or on scratchcards.
The biggest step in overcoming a gambling addiction is recognising you have a problem. This can be difficult, especially if you have lost a lot of money or even ruined your relationships in the process. However, many people with gambling addictions have been successful at regaining control of their lives and finding new hobbies or socialising in safer ways.
A key part of overcoming any addiction is having support. Whether it’s friends and family or a peer group, having someone you can talk to about your issues can make all the difference. You can also find help through an organisation that specialises in gambling problems. They offer counselling and support for people who are struggling with gambling problems, as well as education and advice for those around them.
Another way to help reduce your gambling is to set yourself a time limit before you start, and leave once you reach it. This will force you to stop chasing losses and accept that any money you win is just a bonus. It’s also important not to bet with money that you need for your bills or other expenses, so get rid of any credit cards and only keep a small amount of cash on you.