Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event with awareness of risk and in the hope of winning a prize. It ranges from the purchase of lottery tickets by people who have little money to the sophisticated casino gambling of the wealthy. Often, gambling is associated with addiction and other mental health problems.

In addition, gambling can be a social activity. Individuals may join groups to participate in activities like poker, horse racing, bingo or casino games. People also may gamble online with virtual coins, paper tickets, or even collectible game pieces (such as marbles, Pogs or Magic: The Gathering cards). The compulsion to gamble can be caused by financial problems, boredom, depression, stress, loss of a loved one or simply wanting to escape from daily life. The impulsiveness and heightened sense of pleasure experienced while gambling can lead to feelings of euphoria and excitement.

The psychiatric community used to regard pathological gambling as a compulsion, but in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), it is classified as an addictive disorder. This shift reflects research that shows that gambling disorder shares many features with other behavioral addictions such as drug or alcohol use, eating disorders and kleptomania (stealing) and pyromania (fire-setting).

People who develop gambling disorders come from every race, religion, education level and income level. They can be young or old, male or female. They can live in small towns or big cities. They can be high school graduates or college dropouts. Problem gambling can wreak havoc on a family, ruin friendships, damage career prospects and cause bankruptcy, homelessness and even suicide.

Some people who develop gambling disorders are able to control their behavior. However, others develop an underlying mood disorder such as depression or anxiety that triggers gambling and makes it harder to stop. This is why it is important to seek treatment for the underlying disorder if it is present.

Gambling can stimulate dopamine production in the brain, a feel-good neurotransmitter that makes you excited. You’d expect this to only happen when you win, but in fact, the brain will experience dopamine stimulation even if you lose. This is what causes you to think that if you just play a bit longer, you will hit it big again.

The best thing you can do for yourself or your loved one is to seek help for gambling disorders. Counseling can teach you how to manage your finances and set limits. It can also help you find healthy ways to relieve unpleasant emotions or boredom, such as exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, taking up new hobbies and practicing relaxation techniques. It can also provide support as you deal with your or your loved one’s urge to gamble. Family therapy and marriage, career and credit counseling can be useful for working through the specific issues that gambling has created in your family. They can lay the foundation for repairing relationships and rebuilding your financial security.