How to Protect Yourself From the Risks of Gambling
Gambling is an activity in which a person stakes something of value (money, goods, services or personal rights) on the outcome of a random event. While gambling can take place at casinos, racetracks and other places that offer a variety of games of chance, it also takes place at gas stations, churches, sporting events, on the internet and in many other contexts.
The majority of people who gamble do not experience problems with their gambling. However, about 2 million U.S. adults meet the diagnostic criteria for a gambling disorder in any given year. In addition, another 4-6 million people have mild or moderate gambling problems.
People who gamble can benefit from a variety of resources and supports, including treatment, therapy, education and support groups. Some of these are specifically designed to help people overcome problem gambling, while others can be used to prevent or mitigate the risk of problematic behaviour.
A major challenge for anyone who is recovering from gambling addiction or a related condition is staying in recovery—staying away from temptation and environments, controlling finances, and finding healthy ways to relieve boredom and stress. The biggest step is recognizing that there is a problem, which may require a great deal of courage, especially for those who have lost money or strained or broken relationships as a result of their gambling.
A simple way to protect yourself from the risks of gambling is to play only for fun and not as a means of making money. Make a plan before you go to a casino or other gambling venue and set a time limit for how long you want to spend there. Avoid using credit cards or borrowing to gamble, and never try to win back losses.
