Gambling is an activity in which a person risks something of value (such as money or property) in the hope of gaining more valuable items (such as goods, services, or prizes). It is also an important source of income for many governments.

Most adults and adolescents in the United States gamble to some extent, and most do so without problems. However, a small proportion of people develop gambling disorder, a condition described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as an urge to gamble that is uncontrollable and causes significant distress or impairment.

Some people start to gamble in order to relieve stress, take their minds off unpleasant emotions, or socialize with friends. Some people use gambling to reward themselves for good performance or as a way of getting ahead in their career or business. Others, such as pathological gamblers, have darker motives. Pathological gambling is a mental illness that results in a series of cognitive distortions that elevate confidence and overestimate the likelihood of winning.

In addition, a number of mood disorders can be triggered by gambling, including depression and anxiety. People who have underlying mood disorders should seek help to address those issues rather than using gambling as a means of self-soothing or relief from boredom. They should also learn to find healthier ways of relieving unpleasant feelings and avoiding boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.