What is Gambling?

Gambling is an activity in which money or other items of value are placed at risk for a prize. It can take place in social or recreational settings, such as playing card games with friends for small amounts of money, purchasing lottery tickets or sports bets, or participating in online gambling. In a more serious form, individuals may engage in professional gambling, betting on races and sports events or playing fantasy leagues for money or merchandise.

Problem gambling is an emotional disorder that can occur in anyone. It can affect people of any age, race or religion. It can be found in urban or rural areas, and in communities of any size. It can even be found in families with no history of gambling problems. Individuals who develop problems related to gambling come from all walks of life and have a variety of personal reasons for seeking excitement or escape.

When you gamble, your brain sends chemical messages that trigger a response to reward, similar to how drugs or alcohol affect the body. As you continue to gamble, it changes the way your brain responds and leads to a greater likelihood of problem gambling.

People who have a gambling addiction may hide their addiction from others, lie about how much they are spending or hiding evidence that they are gambling. They may feel compelled to gamble when they are bored or after a stressful day at work, and it can become an unhealthy way to relieve unpleasant emotions or unwind. There are many healthier ways to cope with negative feelings and boredom, including exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, volunteering for a cause, and joining a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous.