Gambling is when you risk something of value – be it money or possessions – in the hope of winning more than you lose. Most people gamble at some point, but for some it becomes a problem. Problem gambling changes the reward pathway in your brain, making it harder to control your behavior. This makes it difficult to stop, even when you are losing more than you’re winning.
While it’s true that some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity, the main causes of a gambling addiction include social, emotional and financial factors. It’s important to recognize that you may need help if your gambling is taking over your life, especially if it has strained or broken relationships and made you financially worse off. It’s also a good idea to seek treatment for any mood disorders that might trigger or be exacerbated by compulsive gambling, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
Getting help for a gambling addiction isn’t easy, but it is possible. Many of the same tools that help treat other addictions can be used to overcome this one, including a strong support network, therapy and peer groups like Gamblers Anonymous. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp, an online service that matches you with licensed and accredited therapists. They can help you deal with depression, anxiety, relationships and more. Start by taking the assessment and getting matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
If you’re thinking about going to a casino or buying lottery tickets, think twice. These venues aren’t just fun and games – they’re real businesses with employees, managers and overhead costs that require them to make a profit. They must pay salaries and commissions to dealers, odds compilers and other staff and they must meet minimum wage and tax requirements to operate legally. They must also have a large enough customer base to be profitable, and so need to attract as many customers as they can through marketing.
When you’re gambling, only use disposable income that you can afford to lose. Never gamble with money that you need to pay bills or rent. Also, only gamble for entertainment – not as a way to get rich or change your life. Gambling is not a guaranteed way to win, but you can increase your chances of winning by following these simple tips.