Gambling is a popular pastime for many people whether they are buying a lotto ticket, placing a bet on the horse race or pokies, or playing poker or sports betting. However, there are some important things to keep in mind if you plan on gambling. Firstly, understand that the odds are against you. Secondly, gambling can provide intermittent rewards which can be highly addictive and can make you feel that you have a high level of skill.
The biggest thing to remember is that if you gamble you should only use money that you can afford to lose. This means only using your disposable income, not money you need to pay your bills or rent. Also, never chase your losses – this is often called the gambler’s fallacy and it can lead to you spending even more money trying to win back what you lost.
If you find yourself having a hard time quitting or are struggling with your gambling habit, it may be worth seeking professional help. Contact our Psychiatry Helpline and we will match you with a qualified therapist in your area, free of charge. The first step is admitting that you have a problem, and it takes tremendous strength to do this, especially when you’ve been dealing with the consequences of gambling for a long time. But it’s definitely possible, and there are plenty of others who have managed to break the habit and rebuild their lives.