Gambling is the wagering of something of value (e.g., money, property) on a random event, where instances of strategy are discounted. The activity takes many forms, from commercial casino games to dice throwing at a picnic. Some forms of gambling do not involve money at all, such as a game of marbles or a collection of trading cards where the value is in the overall set rather than the individual pieces. Gambling is a significant global economic activity and is classified as a recreational activity in most jurisdictions.

There is debate over whether or not gambling is addictive. Some people who gamble report that they feel an overwhelming urge to do so, despite the negative consequences of gambling for their lives or the people around them. Other people find that they cannot control their gambling and may engage in risky behaviors to continue gambling, such as hiding evidence of their betting or lying to others about the amount of time they spend gambling. People who experience problems with gambling often describe a range of symptoms including anxiety and depression.

The term “addiction” has been used for different reasons by researchers, psychiatrists and other treatment clinicians, public policy makers, and others who are interested in gambling and gambling problems. Research scientists, psychiatrists and other treatment care clinicians tend to frame questions about gambling addiction from a variety of perspectives or paradigms that are informed by their disciplinary training, world views, and special interests.

Some scholars have compared pathological gambling to substance dependence, using similar criteria for diagnosis. However, the DSM-III criteria were criticized for their unidimensionality and emphasis on external consequences, as well as middle class bias (Lesieur 1984). Others have highlighted differences between gambling and substance use, arguing that the similarities are overstated or may even be false.

The majority of people who gamble do so for fun and entertainment purposes, such as playing a card game with friends or placing a bet on a football match. There is also a sense of excitement and anticipation involved in gambling that can be appealing to many people. When someone wins, they experience a dopamine release in their brain that makes them feel good. When they lose, they can start to believe that they will soon get lucky and recoup their losses, an idea known as the “gambler’s fallacy.” This is why it’s important for those who gamble to always be aware of the odds of winning and to only gamble with money that they can afford to lose. It is also helpful to remember that if someone’s gambling is causing problems, they should seek help. There are effective treatments available to those with gambling problems and people who are struggling should never be made to feel ashamed. There are resources that can help them, such as the Sporting Chance clinic run by former England footballer Tony Adams and the group The Big Step.