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Gambling is risking money or a valuable object in the hope of winning more money. Gambling problems can affect anyone. Men, women, young people, people from any social class, culture or ethnic background.

Types of gambling include

• Sports betting
• Lottery games – scratch cards
• Slot machines
• Card games
• Casinos

Gambling can go from a fun, harmless activity to an unhealthy obsession with difficult outcomes.

Signs of harmful gambling

• Gambling money you don’t have or borrowing to gamble
• Keeping gambling activities a secret from partners or loved ones
• Strained relationships as a result of gambling
• Feelings of shame or helplessness after gambling
• Mood swings if you can’t gamble
• Financial problems as a result of gambling

Gambling problems can affect relationships, interfere with work, and lead to financial hardship.

If you, or someone you love, is being affected by gambling, there’s lots of places you can turn to for help. Take a look at our useful links below.