Gambling is an activity in which a person stakes something of value on an event with the intention of winning another thing of value, where the outcome is based on luck and chance. It is an important social and economic activity with serious psychological, emotional, and medical consequences. It can involve a wide range of activities and objects, such as horse races, lotteries, pull-tab games, and scratchcards. It may also involve non-monetary stakes, such as marbles or the collectible game pieces used in some board games like Pogs and Magic: The Gathering.

The psychiatric literature has developed a number of diagnostic criteria for problem gambling (PG), including: (1) repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling; (2) the feeling of being in a “rush” or “high” during and after gambling; (3) the desire to keep playing even after losses; and (4) lying to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling. Some of these symptoms have similarities with those of substance use disorders (SUDs), but there may be unique features of PG that do not have obvious parallels in SUDs, such as the anticipation phase of gambling, which precedes making a decision to place a bet and occurs before the outcome is known.

Unlike other types of recreation, gambling requires a significant investment of time and effort in order to be successful. It is a form of entertainment that generates a variety of emotions, from excitement to regret and resentment. Some people gamble for social reasons, while others do so to relieve stress or depression. It is a common activity in casinos and other gambling establishments, but it can also occur at home, over the internet, or through private gaming clubs.

A variety of psychological, behavioral, and biological factors influence a person’s risk-taking and gambling behavior. These include: cognitive distortions, impaired judgment, distorted perceptions of probability, and the effects of certain medications (especially antidepressants). Gambling can also increase the risks of other disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Regardless of the reason someone starts gambling, it can become addictive and lead to problems. If you know or care about someone who is gambling, there are effective treatments available to help them overcome their addiction and get back on track. Before you talk with them, it is helpful to understand what motivates them to gamble and why they might be resistant to changing their behavior. The following checklists can help you determine whether your loved one might have a problem and need help.