Gambling is when people risk money or something of value to predict the outcome of a game involving chance. This can be anything from scratchcards and fruit machines to betting with friends.
Using gambling for entertainment is not harmful, but some forms of gaming can be risky and may lead to serious harms including problem gambling. A person with a gambling disorder has repeated, uncontrollable and compulsive behaviours that make it difficult for them to stop or cut back on their gambling.
There are many ways to deal with gambling problems. Talking to a doctor or mental health professional can help. It can also help to get support from family, friends or a support group.
Gambling can be a very addictive disorder, so it is important to get help for your gambling when you are having trouble controlling it. There are a variety of different types of treatment that can help you overcome your problem gambling, including counseling, medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.
A person with gambling problems can have periods of time where the symptoms subside and then they start to return. They can also have difficulties adjusting to life without gambling.
Harm related to gambling can be both physical and psychological. This means that it can impact on a person’s health and wellbeing, their family and the broader community.
The research used a mixed-methods approach, with focus groups and interviews conducted in person and telephone. The interviews were aimed at individuals who had experienced harm from their own and other people’s gambling.