Gambling involves putting something of value at risk on an uncertain event, in the hope of winning. It ranges from lottery tickets bought by people with little money to sophisticated casino gambling. While the majority of people enjoy gambling and play responsibly, some find it hard to control their actions and can become addicted.
Problematic gambling can be hard to recognise, and many people struggle to seek help for it. However, there are a number of steps you can take to address your issue and make positive changes.
The onset of gambling addiction can happen at any age, and is more common amongst younger people. This is because younger people are more likely to be impulsive and have an underactive brain reward system, which can lead them to engage in thrill-seeking behaviours. There are also genetic predispositions to addictive behavior, which can be compounded by a number of social and psychological factors, including stress and depression.
When it comes to reducing the likelihood of developing a gambling problem, the most important factor is to set limits on your spending. This can be done by setting a budget, or by only gambling with money you can afford to lose. It is also important to remember that there are other ways to have fun and relax, such as by socialising with friends, or by playing sports and video games.