Gambling is when you risk something of value – such as money or goods – on an event where the outcome will be determined at least partly by chance. It can include placing bets on sports events, games of chance such as scratchcards and betting with friends or family members.

Gambling can have a positive impact on communities and society, but it can also lead to problems that affect people’s lives. These are known as ‘problem gambling’ or ‘gambling disorder’. This article explains what problem gambling is and gives tips on how to spot the signs of a problem and find help.

Problem gambling is a complex issue that’s hard to diagnose. But if you or someone you know has a problem, it’s important to take action.

Many people gamble as a way to socialize, relieve boredom or stress and feel a sense of thrill and excitement. However, there are much healthier ways to manage these feelings. For example, exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, taking up a new hobby or practicing relaxation techniques can all be helpful.

While most people can gamble without it causing them problems, there is a subset of the population that is more vulnerable to developing a gambling addiction. These are people with low incomes who have more to lose and less to gain from a big win, as well as young people and men who tend to have a higher risk of developing gambling disorder.

The reason why some people are more susceptible to developing a gambling addiction is likely due to genetics and their brain’s reward systems. Research has found that certain people have a higher genetic predisposition to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity, as well as an underactive brain reward system.

Another factor that can make people more vulnerable to developing a gambling addiction is their culture and the values they hold. Some cultures promote gambling as a fun and exciting pastime, while others see it as a sign of desperation or weakness. This can influence how people view their own gambling habits and how they recognise a problem.

The last factor that can make gambling addictive is the way in which it triggers a chemical response in the brain. This is caused by the release of dopamine, a natural feel-good neurotransmitter. The dopamine release is similar to that caused by ingesting drugs of abuse, and this may contribute to the feeling of euphoria that’s experienced when winning. This is why it can be difficult to stop gambling when you’re addicted. For this reason, it’s often best to seek treatment from a specialist gambling rehab or recovery center if you’re worried about your own gambling or that of someone close to you. They can provide the support you need to overcome your addiction. They can also help you develop healthy coping strategies and retrain your brain to think differently about gambling. This can enable you to reduce or even stop your gambling habit.