Gambling occurs when an individual stakes something of value (like money or items of sentimental value) on the chance of winning a prize. It can be done in many ways, including playing a game of skill like poker or blackjack, betting on sports and other events, or purchasing lottery tickets, scratchcards, casino chips or other gambling devices.

Gambling is not always profitable for gamblers. This is because of the ‘house edge’, which means that betting establishments, such as casinos, win over the long run. It is baked into all games that use chance, and relates to the difference between ‘true odds’ and ‘payout odds’.

Problem gambling can affect people’s self-esteem, relationships and family life, health, performance at work or study, and the way they live their lives. It can also leave them in debt or homeless. In addition, it can affect those around them, such as their friends and colleagues, neighbours, and family members.

If you know or suspect that someone close to you is struggling with problem gambling, try to strengthen their support network. This could include joining a community group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Gam-Anon, or making new friends who are not interested in gambling. Alternatively, you could offer to manage their finances and credit, or help them find a therapist or recovery program like Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model used by Alcoholics Anonymous. Impacts of gambling can be observed at the personal, interpersonal and community/society levels, with each level affecting different groups of people.