Gambling involves risking something of value – typically money – on an event with an element of chance. People can gamble in many ways, including by betting on sporting events, card games, slot machines, fruit machines, scratchcards, dice, and keno. If you win, you get the prize – but if you lose, you lose the money you put at risk.
Problem gambling, also called pathological gambling, is an addictive behavior that affects a person’s life. It’s often difficult to recognize, but it can have serious consequences, including financial ruin and damaged relationships. It’s important to recognize if you or someone close to you is struggling with this disorder and seek help.
While the exact causes of problem gambling aren’t known, there are several factors that can increase your risk. Men are more likely to develop a gambling problem than women, and it’s also common for people in lower socioeconomic groups to gamble as a way to escape their poverty and hardship. Young children are often attracted to video and mobile games that involve micro-transactions and payments.
Symptoms of problem gambling include thinking about gambling all the time, spending more time and money on gambling than planned, or experiencing feelings such as boredom, stress, anxiety, and depression. Identifying these symptoms and finding healthy ways to relieve them can help you manage your urges to gamble. For example, you could try exercising, relaxing with friends who don’t gamble, or trying new hobbies.