Gambling is the betting of something of value (money or anything else of value) on a chance event. It can stimulate the brain’s reward system much like drugs or alcohol, and lead to addiction and harm. Harms include family, social and economic disruption, relationship breakdown, mental illness and suicide. It can also create debt, cause loss of employment and lead to income-generating crimes such as theft and fraud.

While gambling has traditionally been confined to casinos in cities, it is now widely available globally through online casinos and sports betting apps. Easy access increases the risk of uptake, especially for people at higher risk. For example, sponsorship and other commercial associations with popular sporting leagues and aggressive promotion of gambling products increase its normalization and accessibility.

Problem gambling can be triggered by factors such as a person’s family history, depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. In addition, a person’s personality and temperament may make them more prone to addictive behaviors. There are a range of treatments for gambling addiction, including cognitive behavioral therapy and community-based prevention programs.

If you plan to gamble, never go in with more money than you can afford to lose. This will help you avoid overspending, which can lead to financial problems and other emotional difficulties. Whenever possible, play with friends and leave your debit or credit cards at home. Having someone to cut you off when you’re losing can also slow down your pace and encourage you to stop gambling once you reach your spending limit.