How to Overcome Gambling Addiction

Gambling is a type of risk-taking activity where you place something of value on an event with the hope of winning it back. This may include betting on a football game, horse race, lottery or a casino game. It can also include wagering with materials that have a value, such as marbles or collectible cards (like Magic: The Gathering or Pogs), but are not money in and of themselves.

There are two main types of gambling: chance-based and skill-based. With chance-based gambling, the odds are determined by luck or random events, like with a lottery or slot machine. With skill-based gambling, you can use strategies to increase your chances of winning.

Problem gambling can have a range of negative consequences for people and society. These can include harms to physical health, relationships and work or study performance, as well as legal issues and debt. It can also lead to homelessness and suicide.

The most important step in overcoming gambling addiction is realizing that you have a problem and seeking help. Getting treatment for gambling addiction isn’t easy, but many people have been successful in overcoming it and rebuilding their lives. Treatment can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which examines your beliefs around betting and how they affect your behaviour.

CBT can be particularly helpful for people with problem gambling, as they tend to have distorted thinking around the nature of luck and how to predict the outcome of their wagers. This is known as irrational thinking.