Gambling is wagering something of value, like money, on an event or activity that is based on chance. Examples of gambling include lottery games, sports betting and casino activities, such as card games or slot machines. Gambling is regulated by state and federal laws and is prohibited in some states.

People gamble to gain a prize, escape boredom or stress, and socialize with friends. Problem gambling is a behavioral disorder that can lead to financial ruin and problems at work, in relationships and in other areas of life. Adolescents who gamble are at greater risk for developing gambling problems as adults.

The word ‘gambling’ originally meant unfair play at games and the act of cheating at a game, but has since come to mean any type of wagering on events or activities with uncertain or random outcomes. It can be in the form of a game of chance, such as playing cards or dice, or even an activity that requires skill, such as chess or horse racing.

A person who gambles for profit or as a means of relief from boredom or other unpleasant feelings is considered to have a gambling disorder. The disorder is characterized by a preoccupation with gambling, an inability to control gambling behavior, and a desire to relieve distress by gambling. People who have a gambling disorder are at increased risk for problems such as depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. In the past, pathological gambling was not viewed as an addiction, but recent research has suggested that it is a psychological disorder that may be comparable to other types of addiction.