Gambling involves risking something of value on a random event in the hope of gaining something else of value. A bettor may use skills to improve the odds of winning, but the outcome of gambling remains determined by chance. Examples of gambling include lottery tickets, horse races and casino games.

Some people develop a serious gambling disorder that leads to harm for themselves and others. People who have this disorder are known as compulsive gamblers. They have difficulty controlling their gambling and often hide their behaviour from family and friends. They may be secretive about their gambling or lie about how much they spend on it. They might even gamble while they are in treatment for another mental health problem such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Research shows that a person’s personality traits can make them more likely to develop a gambling disorder. These traits include sensation-and novelty-seeking, arousal and negative emotionality. People who are impulsive are more likely to be attracted to gambling and have trouble controlling their behavior. They may also be influenced by their culture, environment and social and familial pressures to participate in gambling activities.

People who have a gambling disorder might feel an urge to gamble when they are feeling bored, lonely or stressed. They might think about gambling and dream of a big win, or they might feel compelled to play until they have spent all their money. They might even try to recoup their losses by increasing the size of their bets.

There are many ways to help someone with a gambling disorder. Support from family and friends can be very important, as can finding new hobbies and activities to take up. Using a self-help program to overcome gambling can also be helpful. These programs are based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and can involve finding a sponsor who has experience of remaining free from gambling.

A good place to start is by identifying the signs that you or someone you know might have a gambling problem. This can help to prevent problems from getting out of control.

It is also helpful to learn healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings. If you are tempted to gamble, try to distract yourself with another activity and call for help when needed. It is also important to get enough sleep and practice relaxation techniques.

It is also important to set boundaries in managing your money and to review your bank and credit card statements regularly. If you find that your gambling is out of control, consider contacting a professional to discuss local referral resources for certified gambling counselors or intensive treatment programs. You can also seek help for underlying mood disorders such as depression, anxiety or stress. This will improve your ability to resist gambling urges and can reduce your risk of developing a gambling disorder. This will help to protect your finances and your relationships. It will also be easier to find healthy ways to relieve boredom and loneliness.