Mental Health and Gambling

Whether it’s betting on the football or playing online slots, gambling involves placing something of value at risk in order to win something else of value. It can be a lot of fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous for some people. This article looks at the ways that gambling can affect our mental health, how to recognise signs of a problem and where to get help.

The way that gambling firms promote their products has a similarity to how Coca-Cola advertises its drinks. They use visual techniques to convince punters that they have a chance of winning money. This could be by displaying ‘hot numbers’ or nudging punters towards complex markets. It’s a deception that many people enter into willingly – even though they know it’s not true.

Gambling can be addictive and if you’re spending more than you can afford to lose, you may be suffering from gambling problems. This can cause emotional harm to you and your family, so it’s important that you try to find other ways of relieving unpleasant feelings or entertaining yourself.

It can be difficult to recognise that you have a gambling problem, especially if it’s been going on for a long time and has caused you financial difficulties. You might start hiding how much you’re gambling or lying to friends and family about it. Eventually, this can lead to strained or broken relationships. Seeking professional advice from a therapist can be beneficial in helping you understand your gambling habits and how they impact on you and your family.