Whether you’re betting on the lotto, playing a slot machine or tossing a coin in the air, gambling can be an exciting and fun way to spend your time. But it can also have negative consequences. If you’re having problems with your gambling, it’s important to seek help right away.
What Is Gambling?
Gambling is when you place a bet or stake on an event that is unlikely to happen. This could be a certain football team to win a match, or you might want to buy a scratchcard and guess which number will come up.
In each case, the outcome is determined by chance and you can’t influence it. It’s a risky and exciting way to pass the time, but it can be expensive and it’s not good for your health.
What Are the Different Types of Gambling?
There are many different types of gambling, from playing online casino games to placing bets on the horses. It’s important to know the difference between them so you can choose which one is best for you.
The most common forms of gambling are lottery tickets, sports betting and pokies (video slots). These are all chance-based games and you can’t control what happens. But they are fun, and if you’re careful you can make some money too!
Why Are We Seeing More People With Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling is a mental health problem where people become dependent on gambling and can’t stop. It’s a difficult habit to break, but it’s possible with help.
Understanding What a Gambling Problem Is
If you’re worried that someone in your family has a problem with gambling, talk to them about it. It can help them to realise that they aren’t alone and that there are lots of people who have dealt with this issue.
Treatment for Gambling Addiction
If a loved one has a problem with gambling, you can support them by talking to their doctor or counsellor. They can help you understand how it affects them and their relationships, and help them to get better.
Managing Harm related to Gambling
A national definition for gambling-related harm is needed to inform public policy and practice. It must capture the subjectivity of the concept of harm, and be able to be used to identify gambling-related harm consistent with other public health issues.
To achieve this, a conceptual framework and taxonomy have been developed to enable the development of a robust, agreed definition for gambling-related harm. The conceptual framework was derived from literature on gambling harms and consultation with experts and community sources, and the taxonomy was designed to be intuitive and easily understood by researchers, treatment providers and public policy makers.
How Can I Overcome a Gambling Addiction?
Having a gambling problem can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve lost a lot of money. You may feel like there’s no way out, but you can take steps to overcome the addiction and make a fresh start in life.
