Gambling is the betting or staking of something of value on an uncertain outcome of a game, contest or other event with awareness of the risk and in hope of gain. It can range from lottery tickets bought by people on the street to sophisticated casino gambling by the wealthy. It’s possible to get into trouble with gambling, and it can cause damage to personal relationships and work.
Problem gambling is a complex issue and can affect anyone. There is help available for those with gambling problems, and there are ways to prevent them from getting out of control.
The most important thing is to recognise the warning signs and act quickly if you think your gambling is out of control. Common signs include thinking about gambling all the time, lying to friends and family about how much you’re spending or hiding evidence of your gambling. If you’re worried about someone you know, contact us or a support service for advice and assistance.
It’s also worth remembering that a big part of gambling is about luck. So don’t be superstitious, and understand that every card dealt and spin of the reels is decided by chance. Also, make sure you set a time limit for yourself and stick to it, this way you can stop when the fun runs out. And never gamble when you’re upset or stressed – the more emotional you are, the less likely you are to make good decisions.