While gambling can be enjoyable and offer a rush of adrenaline when things go your way, it also comes with some negative effects such as stress and guilt. It can also cause financial loss, strain relationships and eat into your savings.

People gamble for a variety of reasons; socialising, skill development and even just to pass the time. However, when it becomes an addiction it can take control of a person’s life and lead to serious problems. This can result in debt, ruined credit and even bankruptcy. It can also affect the mental health of an individual, causing depression and anxiety.

Research has shown that some people are at greater risk of developing a gambling habit due to their family history, a genetic predisposition and impulsivity. Gambling can also be triggered by boredom, low self-esteem and a sense of entitlement. People can also develop a gambling problem when they use it as an escape from stress, which can lead to more and more gambling, resulting in a vicious cycle of losses.

Some of the most effective treatments for gambling disorders are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing. In CBT, people work with a therapist to help them identify irrational beliefs, such as thinking that they are ‘due to win’ after a string of losses, and learn to challenge these thoughts. They can also learn how to manage their triggers and seek other ways to cope with unpleasant feelings such as boredom or stress.