Gambling is an activity that involves betting something of value (such as money) based on a chance outcome that is out of the individual’s control or influence. It is a form of entertainment and can take many forms, such as lotteries, sports betting, and casino games like card or table games. In some countries, gambling is legalized and regulated. Some people develop a gambling addiction, which is also called compulsive or pathological gambling. Gambling addiction is a mental illness that can be treated with professional help.

Although most adults and adolescents have gambled, only a small percentage of these people develop pathological gambling disorder, which is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as “a persistent, recurrent pattern of involvement in gambling that causes distress or impairment in one’s daily functioning.” Pathological gambling can be found among all socioeconomic groups and is not limited to any particular age, race, ethnicity, gender, or religion.

Unlike drugs or alcohol, which have clear physical symptoms, problem gambling is a hidden addiction that can be hard to detect until it’s too late. People who suffer from a gambling addiction often hide their habit, lie to family members and therapists about how much they spend on gambling, and may even commit illegal acts to fund their gambling activities (e.g., forgery, theft, fraud). They often feel guilty about their addiction and struggle to control their impulses.

Gambling can trigger a range of emotions and behaviors, including denial, guilt, anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and paranoia. The underlying cause of gambling addiction is an imbalance in the brain’s reward system. People who gamble become dependent on the rush of risk taking and sensation seeking, which is triggered by the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine in the brain. This can lead to a vicious cycle of escalating behavior and consequences.

Some people who are addicted to gambling use it as a way to avoid dealing with their problems, such as financial difficulties, depression, or grieving. Others engage in gambling to relieve boredom or as a social activity with friends. The media has portrayed gambling as fun, glamorous, and fashionable, so it’s no wonder that some people are drawn to it.

The most important step in battling gambling addiction is to recognise that it’s a problem. If you have a gambling problem, seek out support and treatment from family and friends, or join a peer-support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model of recovery used by Alcoholics Anonymous. If possible, try to find new hobbies that keep you away from casinos and other gambling venues. Also, make a point to stay busy with work, exercise, or other interests. If you do have a relapse, remember that it’s only temporary and doesn’t mean that you’re a failure. The key to recovery is persistence.