Inside tip:

• People gamble on almost any kind of outcome, from football to horse and greyhound racing, even the chances of Steps headlining next year's Ozzfest (2 gazillion to 1).
• Lottery scratch cards and slot machines are a big draw among 18-24 year olds, though online casinos are proving very popular.
• The appeal is in thinking you might win, though ultimately it's the gambling industry that cleans up. Check out the odds:
  

Winning eight quid on a fruit machine: 600 to 1
Fifty thou' scratch card jackpot: 2.57 million to 1
Lottery jackpot: 14.5 million to 1
Football pools win: 7.5 million to 1

Losing streak

• Gambling raises blood pressure, heart rate and adrenalin levels - creating a buzz that can get some people coming back for more.
• This is known as "compulsive" gambling - a progressive mental disorder that leaves sufferers unable to resist the impulse to gamble - often as a means of escaping from problems such as stress, anxiety or depression.
• People with gambling dependency difficulties believe that money will solve their problems - a belief that is reinforced as the debts begin to mount.
• The disruption to their lives isn't just financial, and can affect relationships and careers.

All bets off?

Can you resist a flutter? Ask yourself these searching questions:

• Have you ever skipped college/work due to gambling
• Does the amount you spend on gambling tend to grow?
• Are you touchy about people asking after your habit?
• Are you prone to mood swings, and turn to gambling as a means of changing the way you feel?
• Do you gamble after arguments or if you're feeling hassled?
• After losing, do you feel the need to gamble again in the hope of reclaiming your money?
• Do you boast about a win, and lie to cover up losing?

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Updated: 17/10/2011