Gambling is an activity in which people risk something of value, such as money or property, on a random event with the intention of winning something else of value. The event can be anything from the roll of a dice to a horse race. The element of chance is a crucial aspect of gambling, and many people have trouble distinguishing it from other types of recreational activities such as sports betting or card games. The earliest known evidence of gambling dates back to the 3rd millennium BC, when looted mummy cases in Egypt were found with loaded dice.
Modern-day gambling takes many forms, including casino games, lottery tickets, scratch-offs, video poker, and online betting. It has also become a major industry in the United States, with more than 100 billion dollars spent annually on gambling. The growth of the industry has been fueled by an increasing emphasis on money, technological advances, and changes in social and cultural attitudes.
Identifying that you have a gambling problem is an important step in recovery. It can be difficult to admit that you have a problem and even harder to make changes, but there are several things you can do to help.
Avoid triggers. This may include avoiding places where you gamble, changing your route to and from work if it goes through a casino, or leaving credit cards and nonessential cash at home. You can also try reducing your financial risk by having someone else be in charge of your finances, using automatic payments for bills and online betting, and keeping only a small amount of cash on you at all times. Avoid alcohol or other drugs, which can exacerbate gambling problems and make them worse.
Develop a budget and stick to it. If you do gamble, set a dollar limit and don’t change it after losing. Ensure you have enough time and money for what’s important in your life, and don’t use gambling as a way to relieve boredom or stress. Learn to self-soothe unpleasant feelings in healthier ways, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Seek treatment and support for gambling addiction. Inpatient and residential rehab programs are available for those with serious issues, and they can be effective for many people. In addition, it’s a good idea to get help for any underlying mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or stress. These conditions can trigger gambling problems and make them worse, and they can also be made more severe by compulsive gambling. Talk to a counselor, and consider joining a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which uses a 12-step program based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. You can also find local support groups and resources through your health insurance provider or state department of mental health services. These organizations can offer advice, education, and other resources to help you overcome your gambling problems. A national hotline is also available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
