Gambling refers to any activity which involves placing something of value at risk with an eye toward gain in order to participate in an uncertain event whose outcomes are determined solely by chance. Gambling includes betting or staking something valuable with conscious risk awareness in anticipation of gain on events with unpredictable outcomes that cannot be predicted with skill. It encompasses games of chance like lotteries or casino games (e.g. poker and blackjack), sports betting or horse racing where knowledge of strategies or horse characteristics may help predict probable outcomes.

Gambling is a widely enjoyed leisure activity and most individuals engage without experiencing any serious difficulties, however there are a small percentage of individuals who become too serious in gambling to the point that it causes negative personal, family, social and/or financial impacts – known as problem or pathological gambling. Problem gambling has an enormous economic impact estimated to exceed $10 trillion per year legally wagered (illegal gambling may surpass this figure) as well as being one of the leading causes of personal and family distress; depression, substance use disorders, suicide attempts and domestic violence being among other issues associated with problem gambling.

Gambling disorders don’t discriminate based on age or demographic; they affect people of all races, genders, educational levels and socioeconomic backgrounds. Gambling disorders have even been reported among children as evidenced by increased incidences of addiction to video and mobile games that require micropayments or gambling-like behavior; some studies indicate men are more prone to gambling disorders than women while other research reports an equal prevalence.

Gambling stirs an array of human emotions, from excitement and anticipation to loss and regret. Impulsive responses such as these may be amplified by drug use or promises of quick riches – making gambling harder to control even among those who never experience problem gambling.

Typically, environmental and family influences play the greatest role in the development of gambling disorders; especially if there is a history of such behaviors in one or both families. Yet extensive research has also demonstrated a link between genetic predispositions and excessive gambling as well as numerous other factors associated with the start and progression of such disorders.