Gambling involves placing a bet on an uncertain event, such as the outcome of a game or a contest, where the risk of losing something of value is balanced by the hope of winning something of greater value. A person can gamble by visiting a brick and mortar casino, betting shop or using one of the many online gambling sites available. Online gambling is a convenient and accessible form of gambling, as people can make bets from their mobile phones, tablets and laptops anywhere they have an Internet connection.

Some individuals develop a problem with gambling, leading to serious family, financial and work consequences. This form of gambling is known as ‘problem gambling’ or ‘pathological gambling’ and is estimated to affect between two and 20 million Americans. Problem gambling is often accompanied by other issues such as depression, substance misuse and unemployment. It is important to understand that gambling can be a dangerous and addictive activity, and that you should always seek help if you are concerned about your gambling habits.

Traditionally, psychiatry has viewed pathological gambling as a compulsion rather than an addiction. However, in the 1980s, during an update of its diagnostic manual (the DSM), the American Psychiatric Association classified gambling as an impulse control disorder – the same category that includes other impulsive disorders such as kleptomania, pyromania and trichotillomania (hair-pulling).

It is thought that a combination of factors contribute to the development of gambling problems, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences and societal expectations. In particular, the sensitivity to reward in certain brain regions may play an important role, as well as differences in how individuals process information, control impulses and weigh risks. Furthermore, some individuals are more likely to become involved in gambling due to a desire for sensation-seeking or novelty-seeking behaviours, while others exhibit impulsive tendencies that interfere with their ability to resist urges.

There are also a number of psychological and emotional factors that can contribute to gambling behaviour, including depression and anxiety. These conditions are particularly common in individuals who are addicted to gambling and can have a negative impact on their work, family and social lives.

Individuals who have mood disorders may find it difficult to regulate their spending and to break bad habits associated with gambling. This can be exacerbated by the fact that these individuals often use gambling as an outlet for unpleasant emotions, such as boredom, loneliness or stress. It is therefore important to learn healthier and more effective ways of relieving these feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. It is also important to avoid chasing losses, as this can lead to more gambling and more debt. The best way to do this is to set limits on how much you are willing to spend before you start and stick to them – regardless of whether you are winning or losing. This will prevent you from becoming a victim of the ‘gambler’s fallacy, where you believe that your luck will turn around and you will be able to recoup any lost money.