Gambling is an activity that involves risking something of value, like money, on a random outcome that is out of your control or influence. It also involves making decisions that are influenced by the desire to gain something of greater value or to avoid losing something of lesser value. It is a widely practised form of entertainment and can be done in many ways, including betting on sports events, playing games of chance like lotteries or casino games, or using virtual machines to place bets and win prizes.

Problem gambling can affect people of all ages, races and backgrounds. It can happen in small towns or big cities, and can impact people from every level of income, education and social status. However, it is more common among certain groups, including adolescents, veterans, older adults and those from Latino and Asian communities. People who experience problems with gambling can suffer impacts including financial strain, conflict in relationships and feelings of anger, fear or shame. They may feel like they are not an equal member of society and may start hiding their gambling behaviour from those around them.

Gambling has been shown to stimulate the reward centres in the brain, and can lead to feelings of euphoria and excitement. Some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity, which can increase the likelihood of developing gambling problems. In addition, research has shown that gambling can overstimulate the reward system and cause changes in the brain’s chemistry, meaning that it can become harder to stop than you might think.

People who experience gambling problems can have a range of symptoms, such as feeling restless or irritable, having difficulty sleeping, and focusing on thoughts about gambling. They might have difficulty maintaining employment, spending time with family and friends, or getting along with coworkers. They can also have difficulty managing their finances and may spend more than they can afford to lose.

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, they can seek help from a trained professional to address their gambling disorder. There are a number of resources available, including community support groups and treatment programmes. These services can provide a safe environment for people to discuss their gambling issues and offer support for those who have tried to overcome their addiction but have relapsed.

To help you find information on gambling, the following websites have been compiled. They contain a variety of resources, including information on the causes of gambling disorder, how to recognise the signs and symptoms, and where to get help. You can also find links to local referral resources such as certified gambling counselors and intensive treatment programs in your area. To find articles on gambling, you can search the Medline database (1966 to present) using the MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) text word ‘gambling’. The articles are peer reviewed, and focus on the health effects of gambling. They include studies of pathological gamblers, screening strategies, and interventions to reduce gambling disorders.