Gambling is any activity where people stake something valuable for a chance at winning something more. It can include anything from betting on horses, playing slot machines in a casino or even online poker. But gambling is not always harmless and can cause harm to some people. There are some things that can be done to try and reduce this risk. This includes:

The type of gambling people do also influences how harmful it is for them. Some forms of gambling are more likely to be addictive than others. For example, people who work in casinos or betting shops can be more likely to develop a gambling problem than those who don’t. People who are under financial pressure may also be more at risk of gambling harm as they may need to gamble in order to raise money or cover debts.

Some people gamble as a way of escaping feelings or situations that they find difficult. However, this can make things worse in the long run. It can also be dangerous as gambling often involves high-risk activities, which can lead to serious problems if not managed responsibly.

Gambling can cause harm to your mental health and relationships, especially if it becomes out of control. It can lead to isolation and a feeling that life is not worth living, as well as increasing the risk of suicide. There is a link between suicide and gambling harm, so it’s important to get help if you think this could be an issue for you.

It can also impact your relationships with family and friends if you spend too much time gambling or lying to them about how much you’ve won. This can cause resentment and can eventually break up a relationship. People who suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions can be particularly at risk of gambling harm, as the ‘high’ that comes from anticipating winning can mask these symptoms.

Taking steps to reduce your gambling is an important first step to stopping it causing harm. This can include:

Talking about your gambling with someone who won’t judge you – this could be a friend, family member or a professional counsellor. Trying to cut down or quit gambling by gradually reducing the amount of money you gamble with. Putting a time limit on how long you play, so that you know when you should stop. Reducing the temptations by removing gambling apps and websites from your phone and computer, not carrying large amounts of cash on you or using credit cards that can only be used to gamble, and avoiding places where gambling is often held. Finding other recreational or social activities to fill the void that gambling can create.

This article has been adapted from information and advice provided by West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic. For further support and advice on gambling harm, see GambleAware’s website.