Gambling is a common pastime for many people. However, for some people it causes problems such as financial distress, poor mental health, substance abuse and relationship difficulties. It can also affect work performance, study and family life. Problem gamblers can even end up homeless or in debt. It is estimated that two million people are addicted to gambling. The majority of those who suffer from this addiction don’t receive treatment. This is because there are few effective treatments for gambling disorders. Fortunately, better help is available. The first step is to recognize the problem. This can be done by talking to friends and family or taking part in a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step program used for Alcoholics Anonymous.
In order to avoid problem gambling, start by setting limits for yourself before you go to the casino. It’s best to only gamble with the money you can afford to lose. Avoid the free cocktails and never chase your losses; this is known as the gambler’s fallacy and it can lead to more and more losses. Make sure you always take cash with you and leave your bank card at home, to prevent yourself from spending more money than you have.
Gambling is a complex issue, and it can be viewed from several different perspectives. It can be seen as an individual social pathology, a societal menace, a viable tool for economic development or a specific means of assisting deprived groups. Each perspective has some credibility but it is important to understand the different impacts of gambling and how they differ from one another.