Gambling is a risky activity where you gamble something of value to try and win something else. It’s also called betting and can be done on anything from football matches to scratchcards. When you place a bet, it’s matched to ‘odds’, which are a ratio of how much money you could win if you were to be successful with your bet.

People gamble for many reasons – it can be an adrenaline rush, a way to socialise or a form of escape. However, for some people gambling can become a problem and cause real harm. If you are concerned about your gambling habits, there is help available – you can seek treatment, join support groups and try self-help tips.

Identify your triggers – what causes you to feel the urge to gamble? It may be a specific situation, such as losing money at work or a friend’s financial crisis. It might be a certain type of gambling, such as online poker or playing the lottery. Or it could be a mood disorder, such as depression or anxiety. It’s important to address any mental health issues, as they can be a root cause of harmful gambling behaviors.

Talk to someone – it’s useful to have a safe person to talk to, preferably a family member or a professional counsellor. Talking about your gambling problems can be difficult, but it’s a good idea to find somebody who won’t judge you. It’s also a good idea to reduce your financial risks by not using credit cards or taking out loans and by staying away from gambling venues.

Stay in control – gambling is addictive, and it can be easy to spend more than you have or miss debt repayments. You can stay in control of your finances by setting budgets and avoiding high-risk activities like sports betting or online casinos.

Reach out for help – there are no medications for gambling disorder, but psychotherapy can be helpful. There are several types of psychotherapy, including group therapy and psychodynamic therapy, which looks at how unconscious processes can influence your behavior. You can also receive individual therapy, which helps you explore how your past experiences and thoughts affect your present behaviors.

Don’t chase your losses – it can be tempting to gamble more after a loss, but this can quickly lead to even more serious financial problems. It’s also a good idea not to gamble when you’re stressed or anxious, as it can be an unsafe and unwise decision.

Know your limits – don’t spend more than you can afford to lose and remember that money once lost is gone for good. Don’t gamble if you have an illness or other mental health problems, such as depression, stress, substance abuse or bipolar disorder. If you’re feeling suicidal, seek help immediately.