Whether it’s buying a Lotto ticket, playing a video game or betting on a horse race, gambling involves risking something of value on an event that is determined at least in part by chance. It is a form of entertainment that often involves high stakes and can cause financial, emotional and social harm. The behavior can also lead to substance abuse and other mental health disorders.

Gambling is a complex issue that affects many different groups of people. People in lower socioeconomic groups tend to be at higher risk for developing gambling disorder, and men are more likely than women to develop the condition. People who are depressed or have other mental health conditions are also at greater risk for gambling addiction. Some research suggests that individuals who have had previous gambling problems are more likely to develop a gambling disorder, and people with a family history of depression or alcoholism are more likely to have the problem.

While most adults and adolescents in the United States have placed some sort of bet, only a small percentage of them develop gambling disorder. This is defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as a persistent recurrent pattern of gambling that causes substantial distress or impairment. Symptoms may include:

People who have gambling disorders are often unable to control their behavior and may lie about it to family and friends. They may also use gambling as a way to cope with stress, which can lead to other unhealthy behaviors. They may also become reliant on others to fund their gambling or cover up their losses. They might also have trouble with work, school and personal relationships as a result of their gambling addiction.

The most common type of gambling is placing a bet on a chance event with the hope of winning money or other prizes. This can be done at brick-and-mortar casinos or online. It can also be done with objects that have a monetary value, such as marbles or collectible games like Magic: The Gathering. Even life insurance, in which bettors place a wager on their probability of dying within a specified time period, can be considered gambling, although it requires a certain level of skill and knowledge.

Several types of psychotherapy can help people with gambling disorders. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to the addiction; psychodynamic therapy, which aims to increase self-awareness by exploring unconscious processes; and group therapy, which helps people understand that they are not alone. In addition, family and marriage counseling can help address the specific issues that are created by the disorder, including financial problems and conflict. Moreover, physical activity and other healthy distractions can improve a person’s mood and decrease cravings for gambling.