Gambling involves betting money or something of value on an event that is influenced by chance. It is a popular pastime and can be a fun way to socialise, but some people develop problems with gambling. This can have a negative impact on their mental health, relationships, performance at work and study and finances. Problem gambling can also affect family and friends. If you are worried about your own gambling or the gambling of someone close to you, there are organisations that can provide help and support.

There are many different types of gambling. The most common is playing card or board games like poker, blackjack and spades for small amounts of money with friends or in a casino. It is also possible to place a bet on sports events like football accumulators or horse races and buy lottery tickets. Some people even bet on business, insurance or stock markets.

Research has shown that impulsive behaviour is a risk factor for gambling problems. However, it is not clear which specific factors lead to impulsive behaviour in particular people. It may be that certain genes influence how we process rewards, control impulses and weigh risks. It is also likely that social factors, such as the prevalence of gambling in a particular culture, can influence how people think about the activity and what constitutes a gamble.

A common characteristic of gambling is the feeling of excitement when you win and the disappointment when you lose. This is because your brain releases the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine when you gamble. This is a reason why some people find it hard to stop gambling.

Some people who have a problem with gambling are not able to stop even when they realise it is affecting their lives negatively. This can be a sign of a serious gambling disorder, which is formally recognised by the American Psychiatric Association and described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

People with problem gambling can experience long-term effects on their physical and emotional wellbeing, relationships with family and friends, performance at work and study and finances. They can also be at high risk of homelessness and suicide. They often lie about their gambling or hide evidence of it from others.

It is important to understand that gambling can be a form of self-medication and an attempt to self-soothe unpleasant emotions or feelings. There are healthy ways to relieve these symptoms, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble and practicing relaxation techniques. If you are concerned about the gambling of a friend or relative, try talking to them about it and encouraging them to seek help. If you are managing a loved one’s money, it is also important to set boundaries and prevent them from spending excessively. This can be a difficult task, but it is crucial to the success of treatment and recovery from problem gambling. In some cases, inpatient or residential treatment and rehabilitation is necessary.