Whether it’s placing a bet on a football team, buying a scratchcard or playing video games, gambling is an exchange of real money for an outcome that is determined at least in part by chance. While many people enjoy gambling occasionally, for some it can become a problem. The good news is that there are lots of options available to help someone overcome a gambling addiction.

A significant number of adolescents and adults develop a gambling disorder, which is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) as an impulsive and compulsive desire to gamble that results in distress or impairment. In some cases, the compulsion to gamble can interfere with work and social relationships, leading to unemployment, divorce or bankruptcy. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of a gambling problem so that you or a loved one can get the help and support they need.

In addition to seeking professional treatment, a person with a gambling disorder may also benefit from family therapy or marriage, career and credit counseling. These therapies can help individuals resolve specific problems created by gambling and lay the foundation for a healthier future.

It’s also helpful to set limits and stick to them. For example, if you’re going to the casino for the weekend, put your gambling money into a separate envelope each day so that you don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. This can help you feel more in control and avoid falling into the ‘gambler’s fallacy’, where you think that you are due a win.