You can’t miss it this summer – the Euros, Olympics and a host of other top sporting events have led to an avalanche of gambling ads on TV, billboards and online.
Meanwhile, online casino-style gambling is becoming more and more high-profile, with major stars on our TV screens daily trying to encourage us to sign up for their sites.
It’s true that online gambling is increasingly popular, and research has shown that more people gamble here in Merseyside than in many other areas of the UK. Figures from GambleAware suggest that the Liverpool City Region is above the national average for individuals experiencing “a moderate level of gambling-related harms”.
Gambling apps look to draw you in with free bets and offers. They have been designed to get us hooked and crave another bet. They make it look exciting and glamorous, like a fun game, where the stakes are low and the rewards could be high.
They also appeal to risk-takers – and the bigger the risk, the bigger the potential reward.
But there’s no such thing as a free bet.
Gambling causes a short-term buzz that can be so addictive we can lose sight of other things that keep us healthy and help us feel good, causing our mental health to suffer in the long run.
Gambling can lead to debt, family breakdown and mental health problems. It can also lead you to coming into contact with loan sharks or illegal activities.
Gambling can – and does – destroy lives.
It can be really difficult to know if you’re struggling with gambling. But there are lots of signs to look out for, including spending more money or time than you can afford, hiding your gambling or lying about it.
You may be finding it hard to manage or stop gambling and it could be leading to arguments with your family or friends, neglecting work or responsibilities and borrowing money.
Sound familiar?
If you feel your gambling habits are becoming overwhelming – or are starting to feel it’s more like a burden than fun – remember: you’re not alone.
There is always support available.