People gamble for many reasons, from the thrill of winning to socialising or escaping from worries and stress. However, for some people it can become a problem. If you’re spending more than you can afford to lose, borrowing money or feeling stressed or anxious about gambling, it may be time to seek help. Here are some ways to get help, including treatment, support groups and self-help tips.

Gambling is the wagering of something of value on a random event where instances of strategy are discounted. The outcome of the bet is a prize (cash or goods), which is determined by chance and/or skill. The most common forms of gambling are lotteries, slot machines and table games such as roulette, poker or blackjack. Other types of gambling include horse racing, sports betting and the stock market.

The harms of gambling can affect both your health and your relationships with family, friends and coworkers. Problem gamblers often withdraw from their social circles and can end up living alone, isolated and in poverty. The emotional toll can also be devastating, with many problem gamblers developing depression, anxiety or even suicidal thoughts.

A lapse is when you go back to gambling after deciding to stop. It is very important to understand and accept a lapse, but it is also important to make a plan for how you will prevent future lapses. For example, you might write down a schedule of when and where you will gamble, or you might set a limit for how long you want to play. You might also create a budget for how much you can spend and stick to it. You might also try to replace gambling with other activities such as exercising, eating well and spending time with friends who don’t gamble.

It is important to know that gambling is not a lucrative way to make money, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose. You should also avoid chasing your losses; the more you try to win back what you have lost, the more you will lose. It is also a good idea to balance your gambling with other hobbies and activities, and never let it interfere with your work or family life.

You can improve your mood and your finances by getting treatment for any underlying mood disorders that might be contributing to your gambling problems. Depression, stress or substance abuse can all trigger gambling problems and be made worse by compulsive gambling. Seeking treatment for these underlying conditions can lead to more stable family and financial situations and help you develop better coping skills.

There are many other things you can do to control your gambling, including: limiting how much time you spend on it, making sure you don’t gamble with credit cards or on the internet and keeping only a small amount of cash on hand. It is also a good idea to learn new skills and find other ways to relax, such as exercising, socializing with friends who don’t gamble and practicing relaxation techniques.