Gambling is a form of entertainment that involves risking something of value (usually money) on an event that has the potential to offer a larger prize win. It can take many forms and examples include betting on a football match, lottery numbers, slot machines, scratch cards, horse races, animal races, dice games, roulette and bingo. There are a number of reasons why people gamble – it might be for the excitement and euphoria it can trigger, or for coping reasons such as forgetting their worries or feeling self-confident. However, if a person is gambling out of control, it can have devastating consequences on their health and mental wellbeing, their relationships with family and friends, work or study performance, and it can lead to debt and homelessness.

Problem gambling can also cause family conflict, isolation and feelings of guilt and shame. A person may hide their gambling, lie to family members or therapists and even commit illegal acts (such as theft or embezzlement) in order to fund their gambling activity. They may experience depression or anxiety and have suicidal thoughts.

If someone is struggling with problems related to gambling, there are a number of things that can be done to help them such as setting boundaries in managing their finances and reviewing bank or credit card statements; taking responsibility for their actions; trying to understand the causes of their behaviour; speaking to their GP or a professional counsellor or seeking intensive treatment for problem gambling.