As with any addictive behavior, gambling has negative consequences on a person’s mental and physical health. While it can be cured, gambling addiction requires treatment. The main treatment option for gambling addiction is cognitive behavioural therapy, which examines the way people think and behave when gambling. People with gambling problems tend to think differently from other people, judging the probability of winning a game by rituals, or believing they can recoup losses by betting more. CBT aims to correct these beliefs and behaviors and help the person regain control over their gambling.

To overcome gambling addiction, it’s important to strengthen your support system. Reach out to your family and friends for support. You can also enroll in an education class or volunteer for a worthwhile cause. Alternatively, you can join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous. This is a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. During the 12-step program, participants are assigned a sponsor, who is a former gambler themselves. The sponsor will be a guide and support system.

The Gambling Commission regulates gambling activities in the UK. While the Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the UK, the term “gambling” is often used to describe non-wagering activities. For example, players of the Marbles game may be betting on marbles, while Magic: The Gathering players may be wagering on collectible game pieces. In the US, gambling is legal in many states, including Nevada. Some states have strict gambling laws, such as Utah. The legal gambling market was valued at $335 billion in 2009, and the Gambling Commission has stated that “gambling” is not a disease.