Gambling involves placing a bet of something of value, such as money or possessions, on an event whose outcome is determined at least in part by chance. Some forms of gambling include lotteries, casino games, sports gambling, and scratchcards. Although most people who gamble do not develop a problem, a small group of people become addicted to gambling and experience negative personal, family, and financial consequences as a result.
Gamblers choose what they want to bet on – for example, a football team to win a match or the winning numbers of a scratchcard – and then make a bet using their own money. The odds of the chosen event are then compared to the amount the bettor stands to lose (or win) in order to determine a likely return on their investment. Often, this figure is represented as an ‘average payout’ or ‘average risk’. A bettor may also use skills or knowledge to help reduce the chance of losing, for example by studying previous results, knowing the playing strategies of particular card games, or learning about horses and jockeys in horse racing.
People who gamble are vulnerable to developing a problem when they are young or have a low income and have more to gain from a large win. Vulnerability is also higher in men than women and may increase with age. In addition, individuals who are lonely or depressed may be attracted to gambling as a way of soothing unpleasant feelings or relieving boredom.