Gambling is the act of putting money or something else of value at risk to predict the outcome of an event that involves chance. It may involve a game of football or a scratchcard, for example, and the amount you win depends on the ‘odds’ set by the betting company. You can bet with friends, and it’s legal to gamble in many countries.

It’s a problem that can harm you and those around you, including family and friends. It can also cause financial problems and put you at risk of suicide.

You can find out more about gambling by talking to someone you trust. Contact the National Gambling Helpline for more information.

There’s a lot you can do to stop gambling. It can help to make a plan and stick to it. For example, try to cut back on the amount you spend or stop making new bets. You could also attend a support group to help you get over your gambling problem.

The first step is to think about why you are gambling. You might have a financial crisis or be feeling stressed about a job or study. You might be depressed or anxious and gambling can distract you from those feelings.

Your family and friends can help you stop gambling. They can support you by talking about your gambling, listening to your concerns and giving you advice if you need it. They can also keep an eye out for you if you need them to.

Having a loved one with a gambling problem can be difficult to deal with. They may be asking for money for their gambling habit, and it can be hard to say no. If you are worried about your loved one’s gambling, speak to a counsellor or a doctor for help. They can provide you with the right advice and help you decide if it is time to get some help.

People with gambling problems often have other issues, such as mental health problems or a history of drug or alcohol abuse. They can find it hard to control their behaviours and they often have difficulties getting out of bed or concentrating in school or work. They might have been in debt before they started gambling and it can be hard to break the cycle of debt.

A person’s gambling may be linked to their mental health and other factors such as age, gender or family or friend influence. It can be hard to break a habit and it can take a long time. You can get support from a counsellor, a psychologist or a doctor.

Harms that can arise from gambling are usually classified into two categories: problem and harmful. The problem category of gambling is more serious and can be a sign of a serious health condition or a mental illness.

Problem gambling is an important issue for people with mental health conditions, but it can happen to anyone. It can also lead to a lack of self-worth and a decreased sense of personal identity. It can affect relationships and the performance at work, study or economic activity.