Gambling is the act of placing a bet or wager on something that has the potential to either win you money or lose it. Whether it is betting on the outcome of a football match, playing a scratchcard or betting with friends, gambling involves risking something of value – often money – in the hope that you will win something in return. While some gambling games are based solely on chance, other involve a combination of chance and skill.

While most people who gamble do so for social reasons – such as having fun with friends or celebrating good times – there are a small group of individuals who develop problems. These are individuals who:

Problem gamblers have trouble controlling their urges and may spend more time on gambling than they intended, even when they’re feeling depressed or anxious. They may hide money or credit cards from family members or lie to them to conceal the extent of their involvement in gambling. They may also steal or engage in fraud to fund their gambling habits. Ultimately, gambling can ruin personal relationships, careers and financial stability.

The risk of developing a gambling problem increases with age, and men are more likely to develop a gambling addiction than women. People who have a family history of gambling or other addictive disorders are also at greater risk of developing a gambling disorder. In addition, some people are predisposed to gambling due to a chemical imbalance in their brain (see the Better Health Channel fact sheet ‘Gambling – medical issues’).

Many factors can lead to a gambling addiction. Some people are attracted to gambling because it offers a quick way to make money, while others are attracted by the thrill of winning or by thinking about what they could do with the money if they won. In addition, some people gamble to relieve unpleasant feelings such as boredom, loneliness or stress.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are things you can do to help. Start by talking about your gambling with someone you trust who won’t judge you, such as a friend or a professional counsellor. Try to reduce your financial risks by not carrying large amounts of cash and cutting down on credit card use. Also, be sure to fill the void that gambling has left by finding new recreational activities or hobbies.

Family therapy and marriage, career and credit counseling can help you work through the specific problems created by your or a loved one’s problem gambling. These services can help restore healthy relationships and finances and lay the groundwork for overcoming this challenging and debilitating addiction. If necessary, inpatient or residential treatment and rehab programs are available for those with severe gambling addictions. These programs offer round-the-clock support and intensive treatment for those who can’t stop gambling on their own. They include medication and cognitive behavior therapy, and may be combined with peer support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step program modelled after Alcoholics Anonymous.