Whether it’s placing a bet on a sporting event, buying a lottery ticket, or playing the pokies at your local casino, gambling involves putting something of value on an uncertain outcome. It’s a type of risk taking that can be fun and exciting, but it can also lead to serious problems. This article explains what gambling is, how it works, and how to avoid it.
Gambling is a form of entertainment where people place money or other things of value on events that have an element of chance, such as a football match or scratchcard. The player’s choice of what they want to bet on is matched against the odds, which are usually displayed by betting companies and can range from 5/1 on a football match to 2/1 on a scratchcard. If they win, they keep the stake; if they lose, they forfeit it.
In addition to being an enjoyable pastime, gambling can be used as a way to relieve unpleasant feelings like boredom or anxiety. However, it’s important to know that there are better ways to manage these feelings and that gambling can actually make them worse. Instead of gambling, try exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.
While most people who gamble do so for fun, some people develop a problem with gambling that is difficult to overcome. These people are known as pathological gamblers and their symptoms can include: lying to family members, therapists or employers about the extent of their gambling; stealing from others in order to fund gambling; committing illegal acts, such as forgery or embezzlement, to finance gambling; and chasing losses (a constant desire to return to a previous wager to recover losses).
Studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for gambling addiction. This type of therapy teaches people how to resist unwanted thoughts and habits, and it also helps them confront irrational beliefs. For example, a person with an addictive gambling habit might learn that a string of losses doesn’t necessarily mean that they will lose again soon, and they may begin to realize that “near misses”—such as two out of three cherries on a slot machine—do not signify an imminent win.
Aside from individual behavioral therapy, there are also group therapies that focus on overcoming a gambling addiction. Many of these groups are based on the 12-step recovery program of Alcoholics Anonymous and can provide invaluable support to people struggling with gambling addiction. In some cases, the group can be led by a professional counselor who is experienced in helping people overcome gambling addictions.
For those with severe gambling addictions, there are inpatient or residential treatment programs that offer round-the-clock support and supervision. These programs are primarily designed for individuals who cannot control their urges to gamble even with the help of outpatient therapy. The most important thing is to recognize when you have a problem and seek treatment immediately. If you need help, reach out to a trusted friend or the GamCare helpline for non-judgemental support.