Gambling involves risking something of value (such as money, goods, services or other assets) on an event that is random and uncertain. In the case of casinos and other gambling establishments, gambling is a multibillion-dollar industry that offers a variety of games of chance to its customers. Gambling has become a common activity, and while it can be fun and entertaining, it may also cause problems for some people. Problem gamblers may experience feelings of guilt, anxiety and depression. These emotions can affect their work, family and social life. Moreover, they are likely to spend more than they can afford to lose.
Some forms of gambling are conducted in a private setting, such as card games like poker or bridge with friends or relatives or informal games of chance, such as dice games, roulette or bingo. Private gambling usually involves a small amount of money, chips or tokens, and the main purpose is enjoyment and social interaction. Gambling can also take place in public settings, such as casinos, racetracks and amusement parks.
A person who gambles is considered to have a gambling problem when they engage in one or more of the following activities: (1) is preoccupied with thoughts about gambling; (2) has a strong urge to gamble even when it interferes with normal daily tasks; (3) has difficulty controlling their behavior when gambling; (4) lies to family members, therapists or others to conceal the extent of their involvement in gambling; (5) continues to bet after losing large amounts of money in an attempt to recover those losses (“chasing losses”); and/or (6) has jeopardized or lost a relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, you can help by avoiding triggers that lead to gambling. This includes staying away from casinos, limiting time spent online and avoiding sportsbook apps. You can also make a plan for managing your finances and credit to prevent relapse. This may include putting someone else in charge of your financial accounts, cancelling credit cards and keeping only a limited amount of cash on you.
If you are in a casino and find yourself feeling the urge to gamble, postpone the urge by telling yourself that you will wait five minutes, fifteen minutes or an hour. This can give you a chance to get some fresh air, call someone for support or distract yourself with an activity that you enjoy. It is also helpful to practice relaxation techniques for when you feel the urge to gamble. You can also try changing your environment, such as taking a different route to and from work, watching a movie instead of sports or practicing mindfulness. Finally, you can avoid the temptation to gamble by removing all credit cards and debit cards from your wallet, leaving your phone in your home or blocking access to gaming sites on your computer. By removing the opportunity to gamble, you can strengthen your resolve to stop.