Gambling involves risking something of value on an event that is determined by chance. This activity can include betting on sports or in casinos, playing games such as marbles or pogs with collectible game pieces that have a monetary value, or even activities like DIY investing, fantasy leagues and scratch-off tickets.
It is estimated that 2.5 million U.S adults (1%) meet the diagnostic criteria for a gambling disorder in a given year. Several additional millions may have mild or moderate problems with their gambling behavior.
In some people, their gambling causes a number of harms such as financial difficulties and relationship issues. Others have a more serious problem with their gambling and experience psychological distress. Still others have a severe gambling problem that is considered pathological. These individuals have the highest suicide risk of all types of addiction and need help to overcome their problem.
The first step to overcoming gambling addiction is to make a decision that you will not gamble again. Then put into place measures to prevent gambling from happening, such as not using credit cards, setting spending limits, removing online gaming accounts and keeping only a small amount of cash on hand. Be aware that you will lose money when you gamble, so don’t be tempted to try to “chase your losses.” If you have trouble controlling yourself, consider seeking the help of a therapist or joining a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous.