Gambling is a form of risk-taking where people stake money or material goods on an event with the potential to win money or other prizes. It is often based on chance and can be found in many forms including casino games, lottery, sports betting, and online gambling. While for some people gambling can be a fun pastime, it can also lead to serious financial and personal problems for others.

The term ‘problem gambler’ refers to individuals who struggle with an addiction to gambling and experience negative psychological, emotional, physical, social or professional repercussions as a result of this behaviour. Problem gambling can be distinguished from ‘normal’ gambling by the presence of significant impairment in a person’s daily functioning, their family life and their work and study performance. It is classed as an impulse control disorder and is recognised by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in the fifth edition of their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

While there is no single cause for gambling problems, research suggests that they may be associated with certain risk factors such as low socioeconomic status, poor coping strategies, family dysfunction and the absence of a support network. People with gambling problems are more likely to have other psychiatric disorders and are at higher risk of suicide. In addition, they are more likely to be homeless, have a lower income and to engage in substance abuse, which can compound the negative effects of their gambling habits.

Many scholars have criticized the prevalence and growing harm caused by gambling. Critical scholars have focused on the neoliberal influenced politics and economics of the global gambling industry and have highlighted the exploitation of the poor. Others have embraced a normative perspective that emphasizes the need for government regulation and the development of a public health approach to gambling.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating gambling problems, the best way to prevent them is to avoid any form of gambling. For those who find it difficult to stop, treatment options include individual therapy, group therapy, marriage and family counseling, and credit, career and debt management. These treatments help people work through the issues that led to their problem gambling, such as anxiety, depression, stress and relationship difficulties. They can also teach new coping skills to manage their emotions and money. In some cases, medication may be recommended as part of the treatment process. It is important to remember that these treatments are not a replacement for a face-to-face evaluation by a clinical professional.