Gambling involves risking something of value (like money) on an outcome – like winning or losing – that is determined by chance and beyond your control or influence. It may be as simple as a game of poker or as large as a lottery or football pool. It is a common activity that occurs in all cultures. It is estimated that about $10 trillion is legally wagered each year on gambling activities around the world.
In some people, gambling can have negative health effects – including financial stress and relationship breakdown; mental illness; and even suicide. These consequences can affect individuals across generations and communities, and reduce the ability to achieve social, economic and environmental goals – especially in disadvantaged populations.
Many factors are associated with gambling harm, from a person’s psychological and environmental circumstances to their social connections and culture. But a major factor is the availability of easy access to gambling products. This is facilitated by the commercialization of gambling, particularly through sponsorship or other association with popular sports leagues and cultural activities, and aggressive promotion in social media. It is also exacerbated by the proliferation of EGMs with features that encourage excessive play and mislead users.
Gambling can be fun, but it is not a way to make money and you should never bet more than you can afford to lose. It’s a good idea to leave debit and credit cards at home, and be sure to set a fixed amount of money you are willing to spend and stick to it. Never chase your losses; it’s the gambler’s fallacy – thinking you’ll get back what you lost.