Gambling involves risking something of value (either money or possessions) on an event whose outcome is determined at least in part by chance. The hope is that you will ‘win’ and gain something of value in return. It’s a type of betting and the most common form is placing a bet on a sporting event, a horse race or a game of chance such as poker, bingo or scratchcards. However, even activities that don’t involve putting a bet on an event such as playing video games or buying lottery tickets can be considered gambling.

Traditionally, many people have been able to make a living, either legally or dishonestly, from gambling. There has also been a long history of legal prohibition of gambling for moral, religious or public order reasons and to prevent people from spending time gambling instead of doing more productive things.

The advent of the internet and more recently mobile phones has made gambling easier than ever. It is now possible to gamble from the comfort of your own home and many people are doing just that. However, some people may not be able to control their urges to gamble and this can lead to serious problems such as compulsive gambling, which is often associated with depression, anxiety or substance abuse and can have devastating effects on personal relationships, careers and financial security.

There are many ways to gamble, from using the internet, attending a casino or betting on a horse race to playing video games and buying lottery tickets. Some gambling is regulated by law and others are not, such as office pool betting. All of these activities are considered to be gambling and it is important to understand how each one works and the odds of winning before participating in any of them.

Gambling can be very addictive and people who are suffering from this should seek help immediately. A number of support services are available, including telephone and face-to-face counselling, GP referrals, community-based services and inpatient or residential treatment programmes.

Problem gambling can affect anyone and it is important to recognise the signs that you or someone you know has a problem. This will allow you to get the help you need as quickly as possible.

You should never bet more money than you can afford to lose. It is important to set money and time limits before you start gambling and stick to those limits. You should also avoid chasing losses as this will usually result in bigger losses. If you do find it difficult to stop gambling try to focus on other hobbies and interests, such as arts or sports.

If you have a problem with gambling, it’s essential to address any underlying mood disorders that could be contributing to your addiction. Speak to a debt advisor at StepChange for free and confidential advice. It’s also worth speaking to a family therapist if there are relationship issues caused by your gambling addiction.