Gambling is a fun activity that involves risk, but it can also be addictive. If you think you might have a problem, you should talk to your doctor or therapist. They can help you stop gambling and prevent it from affecting your life.
If you gamble, set a limit on how much money you can spend and stick to it. If you’re a winner, that’s wonderful, but you should avoid going over your limit or getting into the habit of betting more than you can afford to lose.
Keep it as a pastime, not an addiction
Gambling should be seen as a way to unwind and relax rather than as a way to make money. It can be easy to get carried away by the thrill of the game and to start spending more than you can afford, which could lead to financial, work or relationship problems.
Relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways
Instead of gambling, try to find other ways to relieve unwanted emotions, such as exercising, socialising with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. These activities are more likely to help you manage your moods and reduce boredom, and they are less likely to have harmful consequences.
Understand how gambling works
Almost all forms of gambling involve chance. Some games have an advantage for the dealer, banker or other participants; others do not. In addition, some games have a higher probability of winning than others.
Affluent individuals tend to gamble more than poorer people, and this may be due to a combination of factors, such as a larger income and the ability to spend more. However, there are a few common mistakes that can be made by anyone who gambles, regardless of their wealth.
Chasing losses
One of the biggest mistakes that gamblers make is chasing their losses and thinking that they can regain their lost money by playing a little longer. This is known as the “gambler’s fallacy.” It can be very hard to break this habit, but it’s crucial to do so in order to prevent further losses.
Take a break from gambling whenever you feel the urge to gamble, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Then, distract yourself by doing something else to take your mind off it, such as reading a book or doing a hobby.
Treat gambling like any other expense, and never use your savings to fund it. This means that you should always keep enough money to live on, and that all of your other expenses should be paid for first, before any gambling-related spending.
Don’t gamble if you have an underlying mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety or stress. Mood disorders can lead to compulsive gambling and other related problems, including relationship and legal difficulties, job loss, and suicide.
Refrain from gambling if you’re a college student
Young people can be particularly vulnerable to developing gambling issues, and it’s important to remember that this is because of their heightened developmental stage. In fact, some international research has shown that the rates of problem gambling among college-aged men and women are much higher than those of the general population.