Gambling involves betting something of value on a random event, with the aim of winning something else of value. It can take many forms, from lotteries to regulated casinos where games such as roulette, blackjack and poker are played. The prize can range from a small amount to a life-changing jackpot. While gambling is a common pastime, it can lead to serious harm.

Harm from gambling is known to impact individuals, families and communities. It is often not recognised as a health issue, and efforts to address it are constrained by the absence of an internationally agreed definition of gambling related harm, a conceptualisation of the breadth of the experience of harm and an appropriate means of measuring harm.

Problem gambling is a complex and enduring phenomenon that can have serious social, family and economic consequences for people who are addicted to gambling. The conflation of harms with the behaviour, and the use of proxies such as gambling behaviour prevalence measures and problem gambler symptomology to measure gambling related harm, are problematic, as they limit understanding and hamper efforts to address harmful gambling from a public health perspective.

Those who gamble frequently, for longer periods of time and with greater amounts of money are more likely to suffer from problem gambling than those who gamble less frequently or with smaller amounts of money. It is also more difficult to break free from gambling when there are other underlying mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.

The biggest step in overcoming a gambling problem is admitting you have one. This can be hard, especially if you have lost a significant amount of money or suffered damaged relationships due to your addiction. However, you can seek help to stop gambling and rebuild your life. There are a number of treatment options available, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the way you think about risky situations and how you react to them.

Another option is to join a support group. Various groups exist, ranging from peer-led organisations like Gamblers Anonymous to professional support services. Most of these groups follow a model similar to Alcoholics Anonymous and have a sponsor, who is a former gambling addict with experience in remaining free from the habit.

If you want to stop gambling, set limits for yourself. Only gamble with an amount of money that you can afford to lose, and be sure not to use money that you need for other things, such as rent or bills. Don’t try to make up for lost money by gambling more, and don’t chase your losses – this will only increase your problems. If you are concerned that your gambling is out of control, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.