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<h1 class="floatleft">Gambling</h1>
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<p class="page-intro">While most people gamble as a casual form of entertainment, there are others who let it control their lives. This type of gambling, known as problem gambling, can not only affect the gambler, but their loved ones as well.</p>
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<div class="page-section" id="what-is-gambling?"><h2>What is gambling?</h2><p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-327" style="padding: 4px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;" src="../wp-content/uploads/2013/09/roulette.jpg" alt="roulette" width="300" height="199" />In the most basic sense, gambling is the wagering of something with material value on an event that has an uncertain outcome, with the intention of winning additional material value.</p>
<p>Gambling is a major worldwide commercial activity with the legal gambling market totalling hundreds of billions of pounds.</p>
</div><div class="page-section" id="components-of-gambling"><h2>Components of gambling</h2><p>Unfortunately, most people gamble without fully understanding the intricacies of what they are doing. Every casino game is based off of a set of basic principles that any gambler should understand:</p>
<ol class="numbers">
<li>
<p class="number-title">Probability</p>
<p class="body">At the core of every casino game is <strong>probability</strong>. It determines the odds you receive on your payouts, and it dictates the design of the game so that the house always has an ‘edge’ over you. Probability is simply the likelihood of a specific outcome or event occurring.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p class="number-title">Randomness</p>
<p class="body"><strong>Randomness</strong> is also a fundamental concept in gambling. An outcome is considered random if each possible outcome has the same probability of occurring.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p class="number-title">Odds</p>
<p class="body">Also relevant to probability, a player’s <strong>odds</strong> is the chance that the player has at winning a specific bet.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p class="number-title">House edge</p>
<p class="body"><strong>House edge</strong> is the statistical advantage that the house (casino, bookie, etc.) builds into their games to ensure they always win in the long-run.</p>
</li>
</ol>
</div><div class="page-section" id="popular-types-of-gambling"><h2>Popular types of gambling</h2><p>There is an overwhelming amount of ways Brits gamble, but a large portion of their gambling activity is attributable to only a handful of games. Before you try to address either your or a loved one’s gambling problem, it is important to understand the games a gambler will play.</p>
<div class="module"><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">Lottery</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">While there are countless lotteries running simultaneously, one of the largest is the National Lottery, which has drawings every Wednesday and Saturday. In order to win the jackpot you must match all 6 of your numbers to the winning numbers. To put it into perspective, the odds of winning the jackpot is approximately 1 in 14 million. You are 24 times more likely to be struck by lightning than win the lottery!</div></div><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">Scratchcard</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">As the name suggests, scratchcards are small cards that contain a surface that can be scratched away to reveal symbols or numbers. The symbols or numbers must be matched to a particular symbol or number in a specific sequence in order to win. You have a higher chance of winning on a scratchcard than the on the lottery, but the prizes are smaller.</div></div><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">Poker</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">While there are countless variations of poker, the core principles remain the same. Players are dealt a specific number of cards that constitute their ‘hand’, and they place wagers into a ‘pot,’ which is in the middle of a surface on which they are playing. Generally, the player with the strongest ‘hand’ wins the entire ‘pot.’ Hand strength is determined according to the specific type of poker you are playing. Although, ‘bluffing’ (representing a stronger hand than you actually possess) can frequently win the ‘pot.’</div></div><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">Roulette</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">Roulette is a casino game in which the croupier spins a ball around a wheel, which has 37 numbered compartments. Players are able to place wagers on the ball landing on either a specific number, range of numbers, the colour of the compartment (red or black), or whether the number is odd or even. The odds at which the payout is determined depends on the probability of the players bet occurring.</div></div> <div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">Bingo</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">Players are given tickets with random numbers printed on them. Numbers are selected at random by a caller, and the players mark off the called numbers on their ticket. The winner is determined by the first player to match the win criteria announced (e.g. a straight line across the ticket).</div></div><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">Sports Betting</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">While there are wagers placed on a variety of sports, the fundamentals of betting remain the same. Individuals can place bets with a betting shop known as a bookie, or they can place wagers online. People place wagers based on predetermined betting ‘spreads’ that factor in the odds of their bet choice winning.</div></div><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">Online Gambling</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">A majority of the aforementioned types of gambling can be played online. Many other types of gambling are also offered on online gambling websites. They often present the same structure and rules as ‘brick and mortar’ games, but are simply displayed on a computer screen.</div></div></div>
</div><div class="page-section" id="what-is-responsible-gambling?"><h2>What is responsible gambling?</h2><p>Responsible gambling means acknowledging that gambling is an entertainment expenditure, and one should not risk more money or time than they can reasonably afford.</p>
</div><div class="page-section" id="what-is-problem-gambling?"><h2>What is problem gambling?</h2><p>Problem gambling is a type of gambling behaviour that causes harm to a gambler and anyone close to them. Problem gambling can cause stress, depression, and anxiety, all of which can negatively affect someone’s work and personal life.</p>
<p>Problem gambling is a very insidious condition. Unlike many other addictions, there are often no physical effects to discern. Even worse, it can manifest itself at any time, and to anyone. Unfortunately, the scientific community has been unable to establish the precise causes of problem gambling.</p>
<p>If you even suspect that you are a problem gambler, you should <strong><i>never</i> </strong>gamble. A problem gambler is often unable to restrain themselves. Gambling in this condition will only further compound your pre-existing mental, physical, and financial problems.</p>
</div><div class="page-section" id="signs-of-a-problem-gambler"><h2>Signs of a problem gambler</h2><p>The following are some of the tell-tale signs that you may be a problem gambler and should consider seeking out immediate help:</p>
<ul class="checkmark-in">
<li class="checkmark-in">Sudden changes in personality, behaviour, or mood.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Sudden changes in relationships.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Unusual tardiness to work or school.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Using gambling as an outlet to escape other problems.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Feeling compelled to be secretive about your gambling.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Telling lies about winnings.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Takes out loans or stealing to fund your gambling.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Taking out a second job without a change in finances.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">A need to gamble with increasing stakes to feel exhilaration.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Constantly reliving past gambling experiences or thinking about future gambling.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Expressing thoughts that quitting gambling is futile.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Your family and friends express concern.</li>
<li class="checkmark-in">Neglecting children or dependents.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
</div><div class="page-section" id="how-to-keep-your-gambling-responsible"><h2>How to keep your gambling responsible</h2><p>In order to avoid problem gambling, you should keep the following considerations in mind the next time you think of gambling:</p>
<ul class="star">
<li class="star">Don’t view gambling as a mechanism to make money.</li>
<li class="star">Only gamble what you can afford to lose.</li>
<li class="star">Set a limit on your losses and the time spent gambling, and always quit when you reach that limit.</li>
<li class="star">Never try to recoup your losses.</li>
<li class="star">Keep a weekly log of your gambling expenditures.</li>
<li class="star">Never gamble when you’re in a compromised emotional state (e.g. depression).</li>
<li class="star">Never gamble when you are consuming alcohol or drugs.</li>
<li class="star">Bring cash to the casino and leave your bank cards at home.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
</div><div class="page-section" id="common-gambling-myths"><h2>Common gambling myths</h2><p>In order to help yourself or others address a gambling problem, you must be aware of popular gambling myths, and their respective truth. Listed below are some of the more important and misconceived gambling notions:</p>
<ol class="numbers-smaller">
<li>
<p class="number-title-smaller">“The longer you gamble, the more likely it is that you will have a big win.”</p>
<p class="body">While this may intuitively make sense, it has no basis in mathematics. Each event outcome is completely independent from those before or after.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p class="number-title-smaller">“If you keep gambling for long enough, you are bound to make back your losses.”</p>
<p class="body">The simple reality is that the house has a mathematical advantage over any player, and in the long-run, you are likely to keep losing.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p class="number-title-smaller">“Studying previous results can make me a winner eventually.”</p>
<p class="body">While this may be true for those who are making errors in their betting, the odds are always stocked in favour of the house so no matter how much study your past results, you are likely to lose in the long-run.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p class="number-title-smaller">“Gambling is a way to make money.”</p>
<p class="body">While this can be true in rare circumstances, for the majority of people, gambling is a surefire way to lose money. The best attitude to adopt is to view gambling as a form of entertainment that you have to pay for, similar to a dinner or movie. There’s also the added possibility for your entertainment to pay for itself and more.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p class="number-title-smaller">“You are only a problem gambler if you gamble every day.”</p>
<p class="body">You can gamble only once in a blue moon, but it can still trigger your addiction, and result in large losses and emotional and physical distress.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p class="number-title-smaller">“Problem gambling is not a problem as long as you can afford it.”</p>
<p class="body">Even if a problem gambler can afford his losses, the time spent gambling can take detract from his personal relationships.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p class="number-title-smaller">“The best way to help a problem gambler is to bail him out of his debts.”</p>
<p class="body">While it is hard to resist the urge to help your friend, family, or loved one, bailing them out will only enable them to continue gambling, which will only exacerbate their problems.</p>
</li>
</ol>
</div><div class="page-section" id="how-to-approach-a-gambler"><h2>How to approach a gambler</h2><p>Many times, the person who you are trying to approach for help does not believe that they have a problem. When approaching them, you must make sure to use statements that are positive, and avoid being confrontational or critical. If you act defensively or are overly-critical, you will only further alienate them. Here are a couple of examples on how to address their problem:</p>
<ul class="arrow">
<li class="arrow">“You know I care for you and I would never want you to harm yourself. You can tell me what’s going on, I promise I won’t judge you.”</li>
<li class="arrow">“I can see that you look distressed. Is there anything I can do to help?”</li>
</ul>
<p>During the course of the conversation it is imperative that you listen attentively to what they have to stay and do not interrupt. You must do your best to avoid them becoming defensive. You should remain patient, calm, and appear non-judgemental. Even if they start making excuses to justify their gambling, do not interrupt them, you can easily voice your opinion later on in the conversation when it’s your turn.</p>
</div><div class="page-section" id="get-help"><h2>Get help</h2><p>Even though we’d like to believe that we are always capable of treating our problems by our self, the reality is that we’re not. We are often biased by our own emotions, and it is sometimes necessary to have an objective third-party lend a hand. The following organisations have proven track records in helping countless individuals overcome their problem gambling issues:</p>
<div class="module"><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">Gamblers Anonymous</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">Gamblers Anonymous is a self-help group that individuals join to tackle their gambling problems.<br />
<b>T</b>: 020 7384 3040 (National)<br />
<b>T</b>: 08700 50 88 81 (Scotland)<br />
<strong>Website</strong>: <a href="http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/">http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk</a></div></div><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">Gordon Moody Association</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">The Gordon Moody Association provides in-depth and intensive residential treatment for people with severe gambling addiction. Treatment is provided for free if the individual is eligible for State Benefits.<br />
<b>T</b>: 01384 241292<br />
<b>Website</b>: <a href="http://gordonmoody.org.uk/">http://gordonmoody.org.uk</a><br />
<b>Email</b>: help@gordonmoody.org.uk</div></div><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">National Gambling Helpline</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">The National Gambling Helpline offers free, confidential support and information on problem gambling over the telephone.<br />
<b>T</b>: 0808 8020 133<br />
<b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.gamcare.org.uk/">http://www.gamcare.org.uk</a></div></div><div class="symple-toggle "><h3 class="symple-toggle-trigger">National Problem Gambling Clinic</h3><div class="symple-toggle-container">This clinic provides free, confidential support services to those affected by gambling.<br />
<b>T</b>: 020 7534 699<br />
<b>Email</b>: Gambling.cnwl@nhs.net.</div></div></div>
<p>For help with your debt problems, please view our <a href="../helpful-organisations/">helpful organisations</a> page.</p>
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<li class="list-arrow"><a href="#what-is-gambling?">What is gambling?</a></li><li class="list-arrow"><a href="#components-of-gambling">Components of gambling</a></li><li class="list-arrow"><a href="#popular-types-of-gambling">Popular types of gambling</a></li><li class="list-arrow"><a href="#what-is-responsible-gambling?">What is responsible gambling?</a></li><li class="list-arrow"><a href="#what-is-problem-gambling?">What is problem gambling?</a></li><li class="list-arrow"><a href="#signs-of-a-problem-gambler">Signs of a problem gambler</a></li><li class="list-arrow"><a href="#how-to-keep-your-gambling-responsible">How to keep your gambling responsible</a></li><li class="list-arrow"><a href="#common-gambling-myths">Common gambling myths</a></li><li class="list-arrow"><a href="#how-to-approach-a-gambler">How to approach a gambler</a></li><li class="list-arrow"><a href="#get-help">Get help</a></li>
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