Whether you’re betting on the lotto, playing the pokies or trying your hand at horse racing, gambling can be an exciting way to pass the time. But it can also have a harmful impact on your health and finances.
How Gambling Affects Your Brain
While gambling can be a fun and social activity, it can also have a negative effect on your mental health and financial situation if you become addicted to it. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, you can speak to a trained professional who can help.
The benefits of gambling
Gambling is a great way to improve your skills, learn new things and socialise with others. It can also provide you with a sense of control and make you feel good, which can help you cope with stress and anxiety.
It can also give you a feeling of accomplishment and self-worth, which can increase your confidence and motivate you to work harder. In addition, it can also help you learn how to manage money and make better financial decisions.
If you’re interested in improving your skills, learning more about the different games or trying your luck at a casino, there are plenty of free resources to help you get started. These include online guides and tutorials, as well as online chat sessions with experts.
Managing your debt
If gambling is causing you to struggle with your finances, it’s important to get your bills and loans under control. This will stop you from using any money that’s meant for essential expenses, like rent or food, to pay for gambling.
Talking to your creditors can help you renegotiate repayments and create a payment plan that you can afford. This will also help you avoid missing payments and paying high fees that are incurred as a result.
You may also consider adding a ‘note’ to your credit file, telling lenders that you have decided not to gamble anymore and you want to stop borrowing money to fund gambling. This will help them take this into account when considering your application for a loan or credit card.
Aside from the financial risks, gambling can also cause problems with your relationships and work. If you are a problem gambler, it can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, which will make your life worse. It can also negatively affect your credit score, and you may have trouble obtaining credit or mortgages.
Getting professional help
The best way to get help is to seek professional support from a qualified psychologist, counsellor or psychiatrist. They can offer a range of services to help you deal with your gambling, including group therapy and individual counseling. They can also help you identify any underlying issues that are causing you to gamble, such as stress or depression.