Gambling is the staking of something of value, such as money or other goods and services, on the outcome of a game, a contest, or an uncertain event. The activity is a major international commercial endeavor and an important source of income for many governments and businesses. A small portion of the money legally wagered each year is devoted to charitable activities. Gambling is usually conducted with cards, dice, or numbers, but it may also be done with collectible items such as marbles, pogs, or Magic: The Gathering trading card pieces.
While most people who gamble do so for enjoyment, a small subset of individuals develop gambling disorders. A person with a gambling disorder experiences distress or impairment as a result of recurrent and uncontrollable bets. In addition to affecting the gambler, these disorders can impact the people who care about them and cause economic costs for society as a whole. The most common type of gambling is lotteries, which are state-operated or licensed and offer a range of prizes to participants. Other types of gambling include horse races, sporting events, and casino games.
Among the most serious problems of gambling are the emotional, social, and financial consequences. Emotional impacts include anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. Social impacts include family conflicts, loss of friends and relationships, and increased isolation. Finances suffer as bills go unpaid, credit cards become maxed out, and debts accumulate – often with high interest rates making them worse. Debts may eventually spiral out of control, leading to homelessness or bankruptcy. People can also lose their job or find it difficult to get a new one when they develop a gambling problem.
The majority of the research on gambling focuses on the negative and harmful effects of gambling. However, a small number of studies have examined positive impacts on the community and society. The methodological challenges in analyzing gambling impacts focus on defining which impacts are considered positive or harmful, and determining the best way to measure these.
A variety of factors make some people more susceptible to developing a gambling disorder than others. For example, gambling is particularly hazardous for adolescents and young adults, as their brains are not yet fully developed. In addition, people with low incomes are at greater risk of developing a gambling disorder because they have more to lose than those with higher incomes. It is also more common for men to have a gambling disorder than women. Understanding what makes some people more vulnerable to developing a gambling problem could help researchers and professionals develop better strategies for prevention and treatment.