Gambling – What is it and How Can it Affect You?

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Gambling

Gambling is a risky activity that involves betting on an event or game whose outcome is not known. It can involve chance-based games such as scratchcards or fruit machines or more structured forms where two parties enter into an agreement with a mutual reward.

The decision to gamble is made by the person gambling (called a ‘bettors’) and money is used to place the bets. Often it is a social event that involves friends or family.

It is a behaviour that is addictive and can affect a person’s life in a number of ways. It can cause emotional, psychological and financial harm.

To help avoid gambling, it’s important to be honest about your feelings and think about the consequences of your actions. You can also seek help from a professional or a friend who has dealt with gambling before.

Having a support network of friends, family and colleagues can also be helpful. You can also get support through a rehabilitation or inpatient program.

Strengthening your support network is important for recovery from gambling. It’s especially important if you have been addicted for a long time.

Adopt a healthier lifestyle and take up a new activity that you enjoy. You can also learn to relieve unpleasant feelings in more healthy ways, such as exercising, socialising with people who do not gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.

Harm can occur from any level of engagement or behavioural level of gambling and can be experienced by the person who gambles, others and the wider community. It is important to consider the consequences and the impact on the individual, their relationships and their community.