Gambling is a form of entertainment where you risk something of value, such as money or possessions, to win something else of value. In gambling, the outcome of a gamble is determined by chance or event, rather than by skill.
People may gamble to get a ‘high’, but when the ‘low’ follows – for example, when they lose more than they have won – this can make them feel depressed or anxious. Sometimes this leads to self-harm or suicidal thoughts and feelings. Family members or friends often tell us that they did not realise their loved one had a problem until there was a financial crisis – bills haven’t been paid, credit cards are maxed out and debts have started to mount up. In some cases, people have been forced to take out payday loans or have resorted to theft or embezzlement to pay off gambling debts.
Some people enjoy the socialization of gambling, and some like to use gambling as a way to relax and get away from work or other pressures. Others like the mental development of learning how to play a game and developing complex strategies to win.
It can be hard to recognise a gambling problem, especially when culture plays such a large role. For example, many cultures around the world have traditions involving gambling and betting on sporting events. This can lead to a false sense of normality, making it difficult to recognise the underlying issues.