Gambling is an activity in which a person stakes something of value (such as money) on an outcome that is at least partly determined by chance, with the hope of winning or losing. It has been a common activity throughout history and is a part of many cultures, forming local customs and rites of passage. Today, gambling can occur in casinos, racetracks, lotteries, video games, sports events and the Internet. It can also be done in more informal settings, such as office pools and card games.
While most people who participate in gambling do so without problems, a small proportion of individuals become addicted to it and develop the disorder that is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as compulsive gambling. This disorder is associated with significant personal, social, and financial consequences.
There are a number of different ways to treat problem gambling. These include self-help, such as joining a support group like Gamblers Anonymous, and counseling with a trained professional. There are also residential and inpatient treatment programs for people who are unable to stop gambling even with round-the-clock care.
Some of the signs and symptoms of problem gambling are: – a person spends more time gambling than they intend to; – a person has difficulty controlling their urge to gamble; – they lie about how much they have won or lost; – they spend large amounts of money on gambling and other activities; – a person repeatedly attempts to get back the money that they have lost (chasing their losses); and – a person often experiences unpleasant emotions while gambling, such as guilt, anxiety and depression.