Gambling involves wagering money or something else of value on an event that is unpredictable and largely determined by chance. Some people gamble for social reasons, like playing card games with friends or betting on sports events with coworkers. Others play for the excitement and rush of winning, or to get that “high” feeling. Gambling can be a problem for some people and can negatively affect their health, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. For some, it can even lead to financial ruin and homelessness.
While there is no one type of gambling that is more addictive than another, some people are more vulnerable to developing a gambling disorder. These include people with low incomes who are more likely to bet their entire bankroll in a single game, as well as young people, particularly men. In addition, some people may be more prone to gambling problems if they start gambling at a very young age.
Defining what constitutes gambling is important for legal regulations, consumer protection, and identifying harmful gambling. Historically, there has been a wide range of views about gambling, ranging from arguing that it is simply recreational interest to blaming pathological gambling on mental illness and moral turpitude. Moreover, researchers, psychiatrists, and other treatment care clinicians frame questions about gambling differently depending on their disciplinary training and world view. The lack of an agreed upon nomenclature for gambling contributes to these different perspectives.
