Gambling is a form of entertainment that can be a fun activity with friends or family, but there are also risks involved. The risk is that you can end up losing more than you have – and that’s why it’s important to only gamble with money that you can afford to lose.

There are a number of factors that can make gambling a problem, including an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity and a poor understanding of random events, the use of escape coping, stressful life experiences, depression and drug use. It is also worth noting that some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviour, and research suggests that certain brain regions may be differently wired in some individuals – and this can impact how they process reward information, control impulses and weigh up risk.

Some groups are at greater risk of developing a gambling problem, such as adolescents, veterans, older adults and some ethnic minorities (for example, Latino and Asian communities). In addition, people with a history of mental health problems may be more likely to develop a gambling problem.

Gambling can have positive long-term impacts on society if it is done in a safe environment, and it can be a great group activity, with the opportunity to meet like-minded people. It can also be a fun way to learn new skills and improve your maths, pattern recognition and strategic thinking. In addition, it can provide a healthy outlet for emotions and stress.