Gambling can be a fun experience, but it can also be dangerous. It can affect your relationships, health and finances. It can also interfere with your work and social life. If you find yourself gambling frequently, it’s time to seek help.

The harm of gambling can range from mild to severe, but it can be difficult to stop. There are many ways to overcome your addiction. One way is to strengthen your support network, including friends and family members. Another is to join a self-help group such as Gamblers Anonymous.

Identifying gambling related harm is critical for understanding why people gamble and how to prevent it. To do this, we need to better understand the different types of gambling-related harms and how they are experienced.

First, it’s important to know the difference between gambling and chance-based activity. – Chance-based activities, such as playing the lottery, roulette, poker, bingo or slot machines, are random and can’t be controlled.

These are more likely to have the potential to negatively impact on your financial well-being and lifestyle. They are also more likely to be associated with stress, depression and anxiety.

Second, it’s important to understand the difference between risk and reward. All forms of gambling, especially casino games, involve a degree of risk. This means that you are more likely to lose than win.

The most common types of harms experienced by gambling addicts include shame and stigma, financial harm and relationship breakdown. These harms can occur at any level of participation and are often linked to a feeling of worthlessness. The most severe forms of these harms are usually accompanied by suicidal ideation and attempts.