If you are a family member of someone with a gambling addiction, you may be trying to find ways to stop your loved one’s gambling habit. The stress of watching your loved one lose money is overwhelming and you might be feeling ashamed. Fortunately, it’s possible to find ways to support your loved one’s decision to quit. During treatment, encourage your loved one to make better financial choices. If your loved one mentions the possibility of suicide, take it seriously.
In addition to addressing the psychological aspects of gambling, it’s also important to develop a social network and to learn new skills to combat your problem. If you’ve made friends through gambling, consider meeting up with them outside of your social circle. Try enrolling in a gambling education class, volunteering for a good cause, or joining a peer support group. Alternatively, you can join a group like Gamblers Anonymous. These groups follow the same 12-step model as Alcoholics Anonymous and provide a safe place to share experiences and advice.
The amount of money wagered on sports events worldwide is estimated at $10 trillion each year. Illegal gambling may even surpass this amount. Most states have some regulations regarding gambling. The most common types of gambling are lotteries and bingo. State-operated lotteries have been the most common form of gambling throughout the world. Organized football pools are found in nearly all of Europe, South America, Australia, and a handful of Asian countries.