Gambling is an activity in which a person risks something of value (money or other assets) on the outcome of a game involving chance. The term ‘gambling’ is usually used to describe activities that involve skill, such as card games or horse racing, but it also includes the more random outcomes of games, such as scratchcards or fruit machines. People can become addicted to gambling in any of these forms, and it can have severe consequences for their physical and mental health, relationships, work or study performance and finances.

In some cases, gambling may also affect family members, and it is important to recognise the symptoms of addiction so that you can seek help for yourself or your loved one. Problem gambling can lead to isolation, depression, relationship difficulties, legal problems, financial stress and even homelessness. It can damage a person’s self-esteem and lead them to try to compensate for it by taking drugs or alcohol. It can also cause problems at school or work, and lead to poor performance in sports or other activities.

The causes of gambling addiction can vary between individuals, but it tends to be a combination of factors, including:

While some people are able to stop gambling on their own, others may need professional support and treatment. If you think that you or a family member might have a gambling problem, there are many organisations that offer advice and assistance. These services can include support groups for people with gambling problems, counselling, marriage, career and credit counselling, and education and training programs.

Getting help can be difficult, but it is possible to overcome a gambling addiction. The first step is to break the gambling cycle – removing money from your environment, closing online betting accounts and stopping gambling altogether. Once you have done this, it is important to set goals for yourself and monitor your progress.

It is also important to understand the risk factors for gambling addiction, and take steps to minimise these. This includes avoiding high-risk gambling environments, ensuring that you have sufficient income to cover your bills and maintaining healthy sleeping patterns. You can also consider seeking therapy for underlying mood disorders, which can trigger or make worse gambling problems.

If you have a gambling problem, it’s important to get help early. It can be tempting to hide your gambling or to deny it, but this will only lead to more harm. Seek professional help or join a support group for families of people with gambling problems, such as Gam-Anon. There is hope for recovery and it is always worth trying!