Gambling is when you risk money or something of value on an event that is based on chance. This could be playing the lottery, roulette, bingo or even gambling online.
There are different types of gambling – some are more risky than others, and you can choose to gamble for fun or for money. You should make sure you understand the risks before you gamble, and never gamble with anything you cannot afford to lose.
You should also take the time to practice before you play with other people, especially if they are people you know well. This will help you focus on the game and improve your chances of winning.
It’s important to have a budget for your gambling and keep track of how much you spend so you can control the amount that you risk losing. This will help you stop gambling if it becomes too much for you to handle.
If you’re not able to resist the urge to gamble, speak to someone who can help you. You may find that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you change the way you think about betting, as well as the emotions and behaviours that lead to you gambling.
If you’re a parent or a partner and suspect that your child has a gambling problem, it’s important to get them the help they need as soon as possible. They can benefit from support in a variety of ways, including a National Helpline, peer support, self-help groups and inpatient or residential treatment programs.