What Is Gambling and How Does It Affect Us?
Gambling is an activity in which someone places a value on something with the aim of winning a prize, where the outcome is uncertain and dependent on chance. The most common form of gambling is placing bets on sports events and games, but it also extends to things like scratchcards and lottery games. The value placed on the event can be money, goods or services, and the chance of winning is based on the odds of the outcome, which are set by the betting company and reflect the chances of the event happening.
The emergence of the internet has made it easier for people to gamble. Rather than having to visit casinos and bookmakers, gamblers can now use apps on their mobile phones or computers to place bets from wherever they are. They can even play online casino games, with many sites offering a range of different types of gambling. Whether a person chooses to gamble at home or on the go, they can access these services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It is estimated that problem gambling affects between three and four percent of the population. The resulting impact can affect the gamblers themselves and those around them. This can include financial, labour and health impacts. Financial impacts can affect the gamblers themselves through changes in their financial situation, while labor impacts such as increased stress levels, absenteeism, and a decrease in work performance can be experienced by those close to the gambler.
A number of things can cause someone to develop a gambling problem, including problems at school, depression, family issues and debt. In addition, gambling can be used as an escape from problems, and for some people it can become addictive. People who engage in problematic gambling can become secretive about their activities and lie to friends and family, thinking they will not catch on or that they will surprise them with a big win.
If a loved one has a gambling problem, it is important to have open and honest discussions with them. It is important to be empathetic and understanding, but not critical, as this can lead to confrontation. It is also essential to avoid using sarcasm or insults, as this can cause the person to shut down and stop talking. It is also recommended to seek out counselling help if you are struggling to talk with the person.
It is also a good idea to try and encourage the person to spend time with their family, and engage in other social activities that they enjoy. This can help to relieve stress and prevent the person from turning to gambling. It is also important to set boundaries, including not paying off gambling debts or lending them money. It is also recommended to keep credit and EFTPOS cards separate, and ask for transparency with spending. It is a good idea to also encourage the person to seek professional help and to consider alternative lifestyle options.
