Gambling is risking something of value on an activity that involves chance in the hope of gaining a profit. It has existed in virtually every society since prerecorded times and is incorporated into local customs and rites of passage. Although most people who gamble do not develop problems, a small percentage of people become seriously involved in gambling and experience significant negative personal, family, and financial consequences. Pathological gambling is a recognized disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association. Understanding why some people develop problem gambling could lead to better prevention strategies and improved treatment options for this common activity.

Gamblers can use skill to increase their chances of winning, but the overall outcome is still based on chance. For example, knowledge of card-playing strategies can improve the chances of winning at certain games; knowledge of horses and jockeys can increase predictions of probable horse-race outcomes. In addition, some gambling activities are based on the use of random numbers to determine winners and losers (e.g., bingo, lotteries).

Most people who gamble do so for recreational or social reasons. For some, gambling may provide an outlet for their anger or frustration. In other cases, it is a way to relieve boredom or to escape from everyday stresses and worries. Some people also gamble for a sense of excitement and adventure. This article will discuss the relationship between gambling and health, including screening for and treatment of problem and pathological gambling.

The amount of money that is legally wagered in the world each year is estimated to be about $10 trillion. The majority of the money is placed on lottery tickets and state-run or regulated casinos. However, there are a number of other ways that people can place bets and gamble, including Internet gambling and sports betting.

People can be addicted to gambling for any number of reasons. For example, some people gamble to relieve depression or anxiety, while others gamble for a sense of power and control over their life. Regardless of the reason, the result is the same – harmful behaviors that interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning.

Whether someone is addicted to gambling or not, it is important for healthcare providers to recognize this behavior and be aware of its effects on patients. A growing role exists for evaluation within primary care settings of patients for addictive disorders, including pathological gambling. This article discusses the rationale for viewing gambling as an addictive behavior and reviews the research literature on pathological gambling. It also discusses screening strategies for problem and pathological gambling and the importance of examining patient histories when evaluating a person for gambling disorders.