Gambling is an activity in which people place something of value (like money or possessions) on the outcome of a game that involves chance. Examples include card games, fruit machines, scratchcards and betting on events such as football accumulators or horse races.

When you gamble, the odds are always against you, and it’s easy to lose more than you win. This is because gambling is a risky activity, and the chances of winning are slim to none. Even so, it can still be addictive. Those who have a gambling disorder often experience negative consequences that affect their work, relationships and home life.

A person with a gambling disorder can’t control their urge to gamble, and they find it difficult to stop gambling even when they have suffered financial losses or have strained or broken relationships as a result of their addiction. They may also lie to friends and family members about their gambling, or try to hide their spending from them. Many people with gambling disorders are able to break their addiction and rebuild their lives, but it can take time. The first step is admitting that you have a problem.

Understanding why someone is gambling is important for both yourself and your loved ones. People gamble for a variety of reasons, including social reasons, to pass the time, for a rush or high, and for coping with stress. It’s also important to note that some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviors and impulsivity.

The most common cause of gambling disorder is an underlying mental health condition. The underlying condition could be depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Gambling disorder can also be triggered by other factors, such as childhood trauma, substance abuse or a history of sexual abuse.

There are a number of treatments available for those with gambling disorder, including psychotherapy and support groups. Psychotherapy is a group or individual therapy that uses different techniques to help you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. It’s usually conducted by a trained mental health professional, such as a psychologist or clinical social worker.

Some types of psychotherapy used to treat gambling disorder are cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse prevention therapy and psychodynamic therapy. These therapies help you learn healthier ways to handle stress and unwind, such as exercising, spending time with supportive friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.

Other treatment options for gambling disorder are family therapy, marriage counseling and career or credit counselling. These can help you address the specific issues that have been caused by your gambling, and lay the foundation for repairing your relationships and finances. In addition, you can seek out help from a self-help or peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also residential and inpatient programs for those with severe gambling disorder who require round-the-clock care. These programs are typically aimed at those who have lost control of their gambling habits, and provide a safe environment with round-the-clock supervision by a trained staff.