Gambling is the act of betting something of value, such as money or possessions, on an uncertain event, based largely on chance. It is often associated with a desire to gain wealth or power, and it has a strong influence on impulsive behavior. In some cases, gambling can lead to addiction and severe health problems.

Whether it is placed on a sports team to win a game, on a scratch card to get lucky, or in a casino to try and make that jackpot, gambling has become increasingly accessible over the years. It is now available around the clock on the internet, in casinos and at racetracks, as well as in television shows and video games.

For some people, gambling can be a harmless diversion, but for others it becomes an all-consuming obsession that interferes with their work and family life and causes devastating financial consequences. Problem gamblers can even turn to theft or other criminal activities to fund their addiction. Regardless of how it is done, a gambling addiction is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment.

Most people who gamble do so for social reasons, such as playing with friends or to make a party more fun. Others play for a desire to win money, thinking that the prize would allow them to improve their lives. Finally, many people begin gambling because it makes them feel good – they get a rush or a “high” when they place a bet.

While these reasons may not excuse an addict from the responsibility of their addiction, they can help you understand what makes it so hard for them to stop. They can also give you insight into how a gambling addiction affects the person’s personality and behavior.

In addition to seeking treatment for their gambling problem, you can help your loved one by setting boundaries in managing the family finances. You can also encourage your loved one to attend family therapy and marriage, career, and credit counseling. These programs can help them learn coping skills, rebuild their relationships, and develop healthy spending habits.

Despite the increasing accessibility of gambling, the public does not fully appreciate its dangers. As a result, there is a growing role for the evaluation of gambling behaviors in primary care settings to screen for and treat pathological gambling. The objective of this systematic review is to examine the evidence supporting the rationale for evaluating gambling as an addictive activity and to describe the data on the relationship between gambling behaviors and health, including screening strategies and treatments for pathological gambling. Articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 1966 and 2001 were retrieved from the Medline database using the MeSH terms “gambling” and “addiction.” Eligible articles included those that: