Gambling is betting or staking something of value (real money, or virtual goods) on an event whose outcome will be determined by chance. People make bets with the intention of winning a prize (or avoiding losing something of value). People choose the event they want to gamble on, such as a football match or scratchcard, and then match it to ‘odds’, which are set by the gambling company. The odds indicate how likely it is that the gambler will win the event.
While the majority of people who gamble do so without problems, some develop gambling disorder. This is a serious problem that causes significant distress and impairment. Those who have this disorder may experience negative social, family, work and financial consequences. The disorder can be a hidden comorbidity with other disorders such as depression, alcohol or substance use disorders, and some people who have this disorder are at increased risk for suicide.
Problem gambling affects all people, regardless of age, economic status, cultural background or level of education. Those with the highest risk are children and teenagers, especially boys and men. Problem gambling can also affect people who have low incomes, because they often have more to lose, but it can occur in anyone who gambles. Some people with the condition lie about how much they are spending, or even that they gamble at all, and many have been tempted to use illegal activities to fund their gambling habit.