Gambling involves betting money or something else of value on an outcome that is uncertain – such as a football match or a scratchcard. It can be done legally or illegally, and it’s often addictive. Some people have trouble controlling their gambling, and it can affect their health and relationships. It’s important to recognise the signs of gambling addiction and know what to do if you have problems.

Problem gamblers are at risk of mental health issues and financial crises. They may spend more money than they have, and may even borrow or steal to fund their gambling habit. They may also neglect their work, family and other responsibilities to gamble. They are often unable to control their behaviour and have thoughts about suicide.

There are many things you can do to help stop gambling, or at least reduce your temptation. For example, you could change your routine by limiting the time you spend on gambling, or setting limits for yourself when playing. You can also try to focus on other activities, and make sure you don’t gamble when you’re tired or distracted. If you have a strong addiction, you may find it difficult to quit gambling completely, so consider speaking to a professional for help.

It’s crucial to avoid gambling when you’re feeling down or anxious, and don’t gamble when you’re drinking alcohol or using drugs. It’s also important to have a good support network. This can include friends and family, and also peer support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. Peer support groups can offer helpful advice and practical tips, and they can also help you find other ways to socialise that don’t involve gambling.

Another key thing to remember is that gambling results are decided by luck, not skill or insight. It’s easy to become superstitious and believe you can influence the outcome of a game, but it’s not true. Even online casinos use random number generators to ensure that each card dealt and spin of the reels is independent of previous results.

If you’re concerned about someone you know, it’s important to talk to them about their gambling. You can help them to understand how gambling works, and the odds involved in winning. You can also encourage them to join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which uses the 12 step recovery model from Alcoholics Anonymous to help people stop gambling.