Gambling is the betting or staking of something of value (like money, property or even life) on an uncertain event whose outcome depends on chance or accident. There are many different types of gambling, including lotteries, casinos, horse racing, sports betting, scratch tickets and online poker. But they all have one thing in common: they involve taking a risk with the hope of winning.
Problematic gambling is when the harms of the behavior outweigh its entertainment value. When a person becomes addicted to gambling, they can lose control of their behavior and stop thinking about the consequences of their actions. This type of problem can affect their health, family and work life.
There are many things you can do to help someone with a gambling addiction, from family and community support to specialized treatments and rehabilitation programs. Some people with a gambling disorder require inpatient or residential treatment, while others may be better served by outpatient services.
The first step in overcoming a gambling addiction is admitting that you have a problem. This can be difficult, especially if you’ve lost a lot of money or have damaged relationships due to your gambling habits. But remember that there are many other people who have overcome this problem and rebuilt their lives. If you need help, get in touch with a therapist at BetterHelp, an online service that matches you with licensed, accredited therapists. Take the assessment, and you could be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours.