Help For Gambling Problems
Gambling is a fun and social activity for many people, but it can become harmful when you lose control. It can be used as a way to escape difficult thoughts, life situations or feelings and it often leads to debt and other problems. It can also affect relationships and work. If you think gambling is causing you or someone you know harm, help is available.
The first step is to understand what gambling is. Then you can set limits on how much money you will play with. This helps you reduce the chances of gambling harms and improve your chances of winning.
When you gamble, there is always a risk that you will lose money. This is because there’s always an element of randomness in gambling, and over time you will probably lose more than you win. If you want to play safely, you can limit the amount of money you spend by setting a budget before playing. Try to stick to that budget and never chase your losses – this is called the gambler’s fallacy and it will almost certainly lead to you losing more money!
It’s important to note that people develop gambling problems across all backgrounds, ages and income levels. Some people who have a mental health problem are more at risk of developing a gambling problem, and it can be hard for them to recognise the issue themselves. Children as young as seven can struggle to control their time spent on video and mobile games that ask for micro-transactions and payments, and older adults can sometimes become addicted to online gambling.
If you’re concerned about your own or a friend’s gambling, it’s important to take action. You can get support and treatment through charities and peer-support groups, like Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a similar model to Alcoholics Anonymous. There’s also family therapy, marriage, career and credit counselling, which can all help you re-balance your life and start to rebuild your relationships.
It’s also worth remembering that it’s not just the casino or betting companies who are making money from gambling – there are lots of other people involved in the industry, from dealers and odds compilers to marketing and public relations staff. Ultimately, casinos and betting firms exist to make a profit, not save the world from terrorism or climate change. They can’t do this if they’re only serving those who are in it for the money. So, if you’re thinking of visiting a casino, you should check with your local Responsible Gambling Council to find out if they’re regulated and comply with strict responsible gambling guidelines. This ensures you’re getting the best service possible. It also gives you peace of mind that your money is safe. If you have any questions, you can speak to a responsible gambling counsellor for more information.
