Gambling is a major international commercial activity, conducted by millions of people around the world. People gamble in many ways, including wagering real money on events, placing bets on virtual games of chance such as roulette and blackjack, and betting with collectible items that have a value such as marbles or trading cards. Some forms of gambling are considered a problem when the behavior causes significant distress or impairment. For example, excessive gambling can lead to debt and bankruptcy, or it can cause a person to neglect family, work and other obligations.

Many psychologists and psychiatrists have studied gambling and its effects on mental health. While they generally agree that pathological gambling should be classified as an addiction, they differ in their views of the underlying psychological processes and conditions that lead to the disorder. They also have different paradigms or world views from which to consider these issues, influenced by their disciplinary training and experience, research findings, and personal beliefs.

When gambling becomes a problem, there are often a number of warning signs, including lying to friends and family about how much time or money is being spent on gambling, hiding evidence of gambling activities, and becoming restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling. In addition, a person may begin to gamble with increasing amounts of money in an attempt to win back losses, or they may become obsessed with winning a big prize.

Young people are particularly vulnerable to developing a gambling problem, and some studies suggest that as early as age 12, children can be exposed to risky online or mobile casino games. The human brain isn’t fully mature until about age 25, making teenagers and young adults more likely to engage in reckless behaviors.