Gambling is the staking of something of value (either money or materials) on an uncertain event with awareness of the risk and in the hope of gain. It ranges from lottery tickets and betting on sports or events to sophisticated casino gambling and can be legal or illegal. It may involve a small amount of money or the wagering of valuable items, such as cars and houses. It may also involve skills that increase the chances of winning, such as a knowledge of strategy in card games or skillful riding on horses.
Although gambling is a popular pastime for many people, it can be harmful for some. Problem gambling can cause financial, psychological and social problems and affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It can also have serious consequences for families, friends and the economy. People with gambling problems can lose their jobs, become homeless or even commit suicide. Problem gamblers can come from every race, religion and education level and live in any country or city.
The way we think about gambling has changed in recent years. People with gambling problems are now more often diagnosed with a mental health disorder rather than simply as a gambler with problems. This change is partly due to the increased use of diagnostic criteria in research on gambling addiction. These 10 criteria, which are similar to those used to diagnose substance dependence, focus on three clusters or dimensions: damage or disruption, loss of control and dependency.