Gambling involves risking money or something else of value to predict an outcome that is based on chance, such as a sports game, a lottery drawing, or a casino game. It can also include betting with friends, playing cards or dice games, or DIY investing. People with gambling problems may try to cover their losses by borrowing or spending more money, or they might chase their losses thinking that they will eventually be lucky enough to get all of the lost money back (a phenomenon known as the gambler’s fallacy).
Some individuals are more prone to developing a gambling problem than others. For example, some people have a genetic predisposition for thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity. This can affect how the brain processes rewards, control impulses and weigh risks. People with mental health issues are also more at risk of harmful gambling, as they often use it to relieve depression or distract themselves from other distressing feelings.
It is possible to recover from a gambling disorder, but it’s important to seek help early. Support from family and friends is crucial, as well as finding other ways to spend your time that don’t involve gambling. It is also helpful to write down reasons why you want to change your habits, so that you can refer back to these when you feel tempted. A number of peer-support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, are available for people with a gambling disorder. In addition, many states have helplines for people with gambling disorders.