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Gambling is any activity in which you stake something of value (like money) on an event that is at least partly determined by chance, in the hope that you will win. You can gamble at casinos, racing tracks, bingo halls and on the internet. However, gambling also happens in less obvious places, such as gas stations, church halls and at sporting events.

Some people develop an unhealthy relationship with gambling. This can lead to significant negative social, family and financial consequences. Problem gambling (PG) is a psychological condition that affects how you think and feel about gambling, and how you manage your money. PG is a serious and treatable disorder.

Research shows that some people can be predisposed to a gambling addiction. This may be because of differences in the way their brains process rewards, control impulses or weigh risk. But there are many other factors that can contribute to a gambling problem, such as the pressures and rewards of gambling, peer pressure, stress, depression, drug or alcohol use, family or work problems and low self-esteem.

Often, the behaviours that drive someone to gamble are motivated by a need to escape from unpleasant or distressing situations or feelings. People who gamble as a way to self-soothe or relieve boredom, loneliness or anxiety often start out with good intentions, but the habit can escalate and become more serious over time.

It’s not uncommon for a person to hide their gambling behaviour or lie about how much they spend in order to protect their relationships, as well as themselves. This is because the behaviour can trigger guilt, shame or embarrassment, and people may fear that they will be judged if they admit to having a problem. Similarly, gambling can be seen as an appropriate form of entertainment by some cultures, which can make it difficult to recognise when gambling becomes problematic.

While some forms of gambling, such as playing lotteries and scratch-off tickets, are legal and legitimate, most gambling is not. Many gambling activities are illegal or involve unfair practices, including swindling and cheating. In addition, some types of gambling, such as cockfighting and dog fighting, are considered illegal by many countries.

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s gambling habits, you can help by talking about it with them. If you can’t talk to them, consider contacting GamCare for non-judgemental support. You can also try to fill the void that gambling has created with new hobbies and activities, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble or practicing relaxation techniques. Also, remember that gambling companies are businesses and they are designed to make a profit – so the more you lose, the more they will gain. This is known as ‘chasing losses’ and can quickly spiral out of control. To prevent this from happening, set a budget for how much you can afford to lose and stick to it. This will stop you from becoming a victim of the ‘gambler’s fallacy’.