Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event involving chance, where instances of strategy are discounted. The term is used to describe a wide variety of activities, from placing bets on sports games to buying scratchcards. It is considered a risky activity because it can lead to financial losses, and has been linked to various disorders.

People gamble for many reasons, from social to financial. Socializing with friends, betting on a horse race, or even playing online poker can all be considered gambling. For some, the thrill of winning is what drives them. However, it’s important to remember that gambling can also lead to addiction. If you have a friend or loved one who has a problem with gambling, help them get the treatment they need.

There are many effective treatments for gambling addiction, and there are a variety of places to find them. Some are inpatient, and others are outpatient. A therapist can help you understand how gambling affects your brain, and teach you skills to overcome your urges. BetterHelp is an online service that matches you with licensed, accredited therapists who can help with depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Take the assessment and get matched in as little as 48 hours.

For most of history, individuals who experienced adverse consequences from gambling were viewed as having psychological problems rather than financial ones. However, the current understanding of compulsive gambling has changed dramatically. This change was largely driven by a shift in nomenclature: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which informs psychologists, has changed the description of pathological gambling several times since its first appearance in 1980.