Gambling is an activity where you risk something of value for the chance to win a prize. It has been part of human society for thousands of years. Whether it’s buying a Lotto ticket, betting on the horses or the football accumulators or playing the pokies, most people gamble at some point in their lives. Some gamble to have fun and others do it for money. Regardless of why you gamble, it’s important to understand that you should always expect to lose some of your money. This way you won’t be disappointed when you don’t win, and you can budget your gambling as an expense, not as a way to make money.

Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime, but it can also cause harm to your mental health and wellbeing, your family, friends and work life. For some, problem gambling can destroy relationships, lead to serious debt and even result in suicide. It can also affect your performance at school, work and study and cause you to miss out on other activities and experiences.

If you’re worried about your gambling behaviour, talking to your GP is a good idea. Your GP may be able to refer you for psychological treatment such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which can help address the beliefs and thoughts that drive your behaviour. For example, if you’re a gambler who believes that certain rituals increase your chances of winning, or that certain numbers have special meaning, CBT can help you change these beliefs.

You can also take control of your Result HK by setting yourself limits. Make a budget for how much you will spend and decide how long you will play. Don’t gamble with your essential expenses, such as rent, phone or utilities. Never use credit cards to gamble and avoid gambling when you’re feeling down, depressed or upset. Always remember to stop when you’ve reached your time or money limit. And don’t chase your losses – the more you try to recover your lost money, the bigger your losses will be.

For many people, the first step to recovery from a gambling addiction is admitting that there’s a problem. This can be a difficult step, especially when you’ve lost lots of money and suffered damage to your personal and professional life in the process. But don’t give up – it’s possible to break the habit, and you can find support along the way. You can talk to one of our counsellors for free and confidential advice. They’re here 24/7 to help you.