Gambling is a major international commercial activity, with the total legal gambling market estimated to be around $335 billion in 2009.
There are many forms of gambling and it is important to understand how they work. You should also be aware that there are risks involved with gambling and that it can affect your finances as well as your mental health.
If you are suffering from gambling addiction, there are a number of ways to deal with the issue. These include talking to a financial adviser, or using an online helpline. They can offer you advice and support as well as assisting you to pay off your debts.
Addiction is a complex disorder and it can affect your whole life. It can impact on your family, job and relationships. You should seek treatment as soon as possible.
You can start to tackle your gambling problem by making a budget and not spending any more money than you can afford. You could also hand your finances over to someone you trust for a period while you address the issue. This can be done by adding a third-party mandate to your bank or building society account, which allows them to accept instructions from the person named on the document.
The first step in treating a gambling problem is to get your mind right, and it is a good idea to seek therapy as this will give you the opportunity to discuss your problems with someone who can listen to you without judgment. It will also help you to deal with any underlying problems which may be contributing to your gambling problem, such as depression or anxiety.
If you have been convicted of gambling crimes, you might be facing jail time or other harsh penalties. Depending on the severity of the conviction, you might be sent to prison or receive probation, which usually includes a requirement to stop gambling and participate in a treatment program.
People who have been diagnosed with a gambling addiction can be helped by family and friends. They are often the ones to spot the signs of a gambling problem and should be supportive in helping them seek treatment.
A friend or family member who is concerned about someone’s gambling problem can contact GamCare to find out more about how they can support them, and where they might be able to find assistance and treatment. They can also look at the Gambling Help Centres list and contact them to see if there is one near them.
They can also use the GamCare website to chat with a financial adviser or access their Netline service, which allows them to talk to an adviser directly over the internet. This service is free and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Your creditors are often willing to assist you with renegotiating your repayments. They might be able to lower interest rates and fees if you can show them the steps that you are taking to overcome your gambling issues.