Gambling can be an enjoyable activity, but it can also have negative effects. If you gamble too much, it can affect your health, your relationships, your performance at work or study and it can get you into trouble with the law. It can also leave you in serious debt and could put you at risk of homelessness.
Benefits of gambling
Many people enjoy the socialising, mental development and skill improvement that gambling can provide. However, gambling is not for everyone.
If you have a problem with gambling, find ways to manage your urges and change your behaviour. You may need to seek support and advice from your GP or other organisations.
Counselling can help you understand your gambling habits and how they affect your life. It can also help you decide if you should abstain from gambling altogether.
Don’t give into temptation to gamble when you’re feeling low or frustrated. Instead, try to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways, such as through exercise or spending time with friends who don’t gamble.
Avoiding impulses to gamble is also important, and you can do this by setting boundaries on how much money you can afford to lose.
You can also set up a budget for yourself before you go to a casino or any other place where you might be tempted to gamble. This will prevent you from taking out more cash when you’ve lost all yours, and ensure that you don’t spend money you can’t afford to lose.