Gambling is when you risk money or something else of value on an event that involves chance, such as a scratchcard, casino game, sports betting or bingo. It is a form of entertainment and some people find it exciting, but it can also be dangerous if you are not careful. If you feel that your gambling is becoming harmful, there are many organisations that can offer support, advice and counselling to help you control it or stop it altogether.
Problem gambling can affect everyone, no matter where they live, their race or religion or how much money they have. It can hurt relationships, cause financial problems and even lead to homelessness. It can affect your mental health and physical health, make it difficult to concentrate at work or study, and can be an easy way to get into debt. It can also make you feel bad about yourself and other people, which in turn may lead to self-destructive behaviour.
It is important to realise that all forms of gambling are risky and that there is always a chance you will lose. However, some individuals find it hard to accept this and will deny that their gambling is causing harm. This can lead to hiding gambling activity from family and friends, or lying about how much time they are spending on gambling. Some people will also attempt to ‘cheat’ by using a system of ‘bankrolling’, where they will try to win back their winnings, or ‘push their luck’ by trying to maximise the amount they can win on each spin or roll.
Some people gamble for social reasons – it might be a hobby they share with a group of friends, or because they think it is a fun way to spend time with their family. Others may gamble for the excitement, or because they dream of winning big. These types of motivations are linked to the brain’s reward system and can lead to feelings of euphoria, similar to those experienced with alcohol or drugs.
Taking a break from gambling, or setting yourself a small amount of disposable income that you can afford to lose, is a good way to prevent the urge to gamble. You can use an alarm to remind yourself when to quit, or simply find other things to do with your spare time. It’s a good idea to avoid casinos as they are often free of clocks and windows, making it easy to lose track of time.
When you gamble, your brain produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel excited. It is thought that this may be why some people struggle to recognise when they have had enough. The more you gamble, the more dopamine is produced, and this can make it harder to know when to quit. However, it is also worth remembering that you do not have to gamble to feel excited – you can experience this feeling through other activities, such as exercise or socialising.