You’re at a twinkly casino, you’ve filled up on the buffet and are ready to roll the dice. You’re itching to win the jackpot and retire on your own private island. This is how gambling is portrayed in the movies, but that’s not how it usually happens. The reality is that gambling is a risky activity that can lead to harm if you’re not careful. The gambling industry promotes its products to you through TV, social media and wall-to-wall sponsorship of football clubs – but the advertising isn’t always clear about the risks.
Gambling is a form of entertainment and it can be very enjoyable, but it’s important to understand the risks associated with it. Whether you bet on football matches, horse races, sports events or the pokies, you should only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. You should also set money and time limits and never chase your losses.
Some people gamble for coping reasons – it helps them forget their worries, or it makes them feel more confident. However, these reasons don’t absolve your loved one of responsibility for the damage caused by their gambling. You should also remember that your loved one likely doesn’t realise how gambling works – and may not be aware that they are in danger of losing control.
The biggest hurdle to overcome in a gambling addiction is admitting that you have a problem. It takes a lot of strength and courage to take that step, especially if you’ve lost a significant amount of money and strained or broken relationships along the way. Luckily, there are many ways to get help and support if you need it.