What is Gambling?

Gambling is any activity that involves risking money for the chance of winning. It can be as simple as buying a lottery ticket or as complex as betting on a football match. People gamble in casinos, gas stations, church halls and even on the internet.

The earliest evidence of gambling dates back to around 2,300 B.C., when tiles were found in China that looked like they had been used for a rudimentary game of chance. Today, gambling is a billion dollar industry in the US.

Despite this, research shows that gambling can cause harm, especially for people who are vulnerable. This includes those who have a mental health problem, or are struggling with debt. It can also impact relationships, performance at work and study and put them in danger of getting into trouble with the law.

If you think you might have a gambling problem, there are some things you can do to get help and support. You can speak to your GP or contact StepChange.

Understanding why you gamble can be important to helping you manage your gambling safely. For example, if you gamble when feeling anxious or depressed, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your life.

Limiting your gambling is a good way to avoid it getting out of hand. You should only gamble with the amount of money you can afford to lose and set time limits on how long you’re going to play.