Some people enjoy the occasional flutter. It might be football pools, horse racing, sports betting, a lottery ticket or a simple wager between friends.

But gambling can quickly become an addiction that can have serious consequences on people’s health and families’ wellbeing. Like every other addiction, it starts small. From betting once a week on football games, some people go into freefall. When the losses start to mount, the gambler will gamble even harder to try and make up for what he has lost.

Ask any gambler what they get out of it and it will sound all to familiar. They say that they get an adrenalin boost, they feel on top of the world and that they enjoy the kick of taking risks. Yet when they lose, they feel guilty and shame. Much like alcoholics and much like drug addicts.

Figures show that some 1,043 people self barred themselves from gambling in 2014, up from 970 in 2013. To help with counter the problem, the Responsible Gaming Foundation has launched a national helpline (1777) to support individuals, and their families, who suffer from gambling related problems.

This is positive. Gambling must be put into perspective. In itself, the activity is not harmful if it is engaged in responsibly. The issue is not with the activity itself, but in the way a person reacts to gambling.

The truth of the matter is that there are some 9,000 jobs in Malta which are directly related to gaming or gambling. It is a large source of income for the economy and provides stable and well paid employment. In short, the economy needs the industry here in Malta.

Greater prominence should be made in educating citizens to only gamble for recreational purposes and not be controlled by the recreational activity. What is quite innovative about the new service being offered is that it also features a chat room. Many of those who do suffer from gambling addiction tend to keep the problem to themselves and this feature will allow them to approach helpers indirectly, making them feel more comfortable.

There are people who are specially trained to offer counselling to people who need it. Sadly, many people who are addicted to gambling believe that there is no cure. But with support and help, the habit can be kicked. Just as a drug addict or an alcoholic should be given every possible opportunity to get back on the right track, the same should hold true for people who have fallen into gambling addiction. There is light at the end of the tunnel and help is there, if you are ready to reach out for it.