Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event that is determined at least partly by chance. It is often illegal, and it ranges from the buying of lottery or scratchcard tickets by people with little money to sophisticated casino gambling for high stakes. Whether legal or not, it is rarely considered socially admirable and can impoverish families and lead to blackmail.

People gamble for a variety of reasons, from the adrenaline rush of winning to socialising with friends and escaping worries or stress. But for some people, the urge to gamble can become dangerously out of control, leading to debt and financial difficulties. It’s important to recognise the signs of harmful gambling and know where to seek help.

Most gamblers are able to enjoy themselves and walk away after a few rounds of poker or spins on a slot machine, but others can’t. This is because those who get addicted to gambling have a chemical change in their brains that makes them susceptible to impulsive decisions. Their prefrontal cortex, which normally helps us weigh up the pros and cons of our actions, is less active. This makes it harder to make the decision that will help them stop gambling.

In addition, people who get hooked on gambling may have genetic or psychological predispositions that increase their risk. They may also find that they develop a tolerance to the euphoria that comes with winning, meaning they need to gamble more and more in order to experience this feeling again. They might even start to develop rituals around gambling, such as throwing the dice in a certain way or wearing a lucky piece of clothing, as they feel they can control their gambling habits.

This is because we are wired to want to feel in control of the world around us. People with a gambling addiction can be especially frustrated by how unpredictable chance can be and try to rationalise their losses or wins by claiming it will balance out in the long run, for example by saying that seven tails on a coin must be balanced out by a heads next time.

Moreover, many people with a gambling problem have other mental health issues that can contribute to or be made worse by compulsive gambling. These might include depression, substance abuse, anxiety or a history of trauma. It’s important to seek help for these conditions if you think they are affecting your life, whether through psychotherapy or family therapy.

You can seek help for your gambling problem at many places, including specialist support groups and addiction treatment centres. But it’s also worth seeking help for any underlying mood disorders you might have, because these can be very hard to beat on your own. If you are worried about how your gambling is affecting your mental health, it’s worth speaking to a debt adviser as soon as possible, for free, confidential advice. You can call StepChange on 0800 280 2880 or visit their website.