Gambling involves risking money or anything else of value in an attempt to predict the outcome of a game of chance, such as betting on a football team to win a match or playing scratchcards. It can be addictive, so it’s important to understand the risks and find help if you or someone you know is struggling.

A large percentage of people enjoy gambling as a recreational activity and do not experience any problems, however, for some individuals, the habit can have serious consequences on their physical and mental health, relationships, performance at work or school, ability to pay bills, and even their home life, leading to bankruptcy and homelessness. In fact, it is estimated that problem gambling can contribute to over half of all suicides in the UK each year.

For many people, the motivation for gambling is to try to make a profit, although some are also motivated by social interaction and the desire to win big. Despite the positive impacts on some gamblers, there is a strong body of research that demonstrates the negative social impacts of gambling. These are referred to as social costs, and are generally based on non-monetary measures such as the loss of leisure time, family or friends, reduced self-esteem and depression, and increased financial stress and debt.

Some people turn to gambling as a way to relieve unpleasant feelings such as boredom or loneliness, but there are much healthier ways of doing this, including exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. Additionally, gambling can lead to a variety of other problems such as poor nutrition, increased alcohol use, and poor financial management skills.

The majority of studies on the effects of gambling have focused on the economic benefits and costs. However, the social costs of gambling are less well-known and have been neglected in calculations. This is because they are difficult to measure and do not aggregate societal real wealth, but nevertheless have a significant effect on the lives of gamblers and their families.

When gambling, it is important to set a limit on how much you are prepared to lose and stick to this limit. This will help you avoid overspending. It is also advisable to set an alarm on your phone or tablet to remind you when to stop. It is also helpful to make a list of things you enjoy doing other than gambling, such as reading, listening to music or going for a walk.

Whether you’re concerned about your own gambling habits or those of a friend or loved one, there are a number of different organisations that can offer support. These include: