Gambling is an activity where you risk something of value on an event that will be determined at least in part by chance, with the hope of winning more than you lose. It can take many forms, from betting on sports events or office pools to buying lottery tickets, scratch cards or online gaming. There is no single form of gambling that is more addictive than any other, but some people are more susceptible to developing a problem. Those who are vulnerable include those with low incomes, young people, and men, who are more likely to develop a gambling disorder than women. They may also have a high risk of using alcohol and drugs alongside their gambling.

Even when you don’t gamble to the point of an addiction, a few key symptoms can be a warning sign that it is time to cut down or stop completely. These include:

It is important to talk about your gambling with someone who won’t judge you – this could be a friend, family member or professional counsellor. You can also reduce financial risk factors by avoiding using credit cards, taking out loans or carrying large amounts of cash with you. You can also stop going to casinos or TABs, find alternative places to socialise and start spending more time on other hobbies. It is also important to never chase your losses – think about how you might try and win back what you’ve lost, this is called the gambler’s fallacy and will only make your problem worse.