Gambling is a risk-reward activity where you place a bet on a game involving chance, like scratchcards or fruit machines. When you win, you receive a sum of money. However, if you lose, you will lose your bet and any winnings you have already placed.

Some people can be addicted to gambling; this is a mental health problem that requires support and treatment. It can have serious consequences, such as financial difficulties and relationship problems.

There are many ways to overcome gambling addiction, but one of the most important is to recognise the problem and seek help. This may include getting help from friends and family, joining a support group, or seeking professional assistance from a therapist or counsellor.

It is also helpful to keep a gambling diary or journal, and to look at the negative impacts of your gambling. Write down how much you spend on gambling, what you feel and how you behave after gambling.

Then, look at how you can prevent a repeat of the same behaviour next time. Try reducing the amount you spend, making sure you use cash limits when you gamble, and trying to control your emotions during gambling. This will help to build your confidence that you can stop and not gamble again.

When you are feeling stressed, or when you’ve had a bad day at work or been in a fight with your partner, gambling is a common way to self-soothe. While it’s not the best way to relieve stress or boredom, you can find a variety of healthier ways to manage your feelings and unwind, such as exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.

You can even try a 12-step support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is a recovery program that focuses on overcoming addiction. These groups can be an invaluable source of support, and will provide you with guidance from other members who have fought their own addictions.

If you’re concerned that someone you know has a problem with gambling, it’s important to get them into treatment. Getting them to see a mental health specialist is the most effective way to treat a gambling addiction, but it’s not always easy.

A person who has a gambling addiction can often be reluctant to talk about it, or admit that they have a problem. They may be afraid that they will be shamed or punished by their friends or family. They may also be worried that they will lose their job or that they will lose the home that they have worked hard to get.

There are a range of treatments available to help with gambling addiction, including counselling and medication. There are also a number of free online resources that can offer support and advice.

The government is aiming to improve the availability and quality of gambling treatment, as well as support for those who have other mental health or addiction issues alongside their gambling harms. The strategy is focused on improving prevention of gambling harms, commissioning a national treatment and support offer, and ensuring that those who need it are able to access it.