Gambling involves wagering something of value (typically money) on an event whose outcome depends on chance, with the intent of winning a prize. This activity takes many forms, including lotteries, casino games, card games, instant scratch tickets, slot machines, keno, bingo, and sporting events. Pathological gambling (PG) is characterized by maladaptive patterns of behavior that cause significant distress and negatively impact one’s health, relationships, job or school performance, and financial stability. The onset of PG is typically in adolescence or young adulthood and may last for several years.
Whether you are trying to win big or simply have fun, remember that all gambling is risky. Regardless of the type of game or the size of your bet, you will always lose some of your money. To help you keep your gambling under control, try setting a spending budget and never spend more than that amount. Also, make it a rule to avoid using credit cards and keep only a small amount of cash on you at all times.
Learn to recognize the triggers that cause you to gamble. It is common to turn to gambling as a way to self-soothe unpleasant emotions or relieve boredom, but there are healthier ways to do so. Try exercising, hanging out with friends who do not gamble, taking up a new hobby, or practicing relaxation techniques. If you are struggling to quit, seek professional help, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches skills for changing unhealthy gambling behaviors and thoughts.