Gambling is a risky activity that involves betting money or other valuable items against the outcome of a game involving chance. It can be done in casinos, on scratchcards or by placing a bet with friends. People who predict the outcome correctly win money, but if they are wrong they lose their stake. This makes gambling a dangerous activity and it is important to recognize the signs of harm associated with it.

A variety of factors contribute to gambling addiction, including the expectation of a big early win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity and the use of gambling as an escape coping mechanism. Moreover, individuals may be influenced by advertising that portrays gambling as fun, sexy and glamorous.

The main negative effects of gambling include financial and social damage. Financial harm includes the depletion of funds that could have been used for savings, investments or basic expenses. It also leads to a precarious financial situation and an increase in debt levels. Social harms caused by gambling include petty theft from family members and intimate partner violence, with problem gamblers being more likely to be victims or perpetrators of physical IPV.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid or reduce harmful gambling habits. For example, removing access to money by closing credit cards, allowing family members or partners to control their spending and not going to casinos are all helpful measures. Another option is to seek therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps individuals identify and change their problematic gambling behaviors and thoughts.