If you know someone who is struggling with gambling, you can help them by showing them how effective treatments are and the resources available. You can also encourage them to check out our guide on how gambling affects the brain, so they have a better understanding of what is going on in their mind as they gamble.

Gambling involves betting on an event that could be unpredictable. Whether it’s a football match, a horse race or even a scratchcard, you have to make a choice and then place your bets against ‘odds’ that are set by the bookmakers. These odds are based on how much you might get if the event goes your way.

The majority of people who gamble do so for fun. Whether it’s to watch their favourite team win a match or try and predict what a horse will do, many find it enjoyable. This is because gambling provides a sense of excitement and thrill. It also makes people feel happy as they release endorphins and feel a rush.

For some, however, gambling can become dangerous and lead to problems such as addiction. In order to prevent this, it’s important to understand what factors are associated with gambling and how to recognise warning signs.