Gambling involves risking something of value (like money) on the outcome of a specific event that is outside your control or influence with the intent to win something else of value. The event can be as immediate as a roll of the dice or spin of the roulette wheel, but is more often a longer-term event like a horse race or sports contest. There are many forms of gambling, including lotteries, sports betting and casino games.

A common form of problem gambling is known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder and it occurs when a person loses control over their spending and/or their gambling activities. This is a medically defined condition and those with this problem will likely experience harms such as increased family conflict, substance abuse or even suicide.

Compulsive gamblers may also hide their behavior and spend time in secret or use illegal or criminal activities to fund their addiction, such as theft and fraud. They also tend to have higher rates of depression and anxiety than nonpathological gamblers and a lower level of social support and functioning.

The availability and accessibility of gambling products is a key factor in its normalization, which includes sponsorship and colocation with popular cultural or sporting events. The availability of high-intensity products in particular increases the risk of gambling harm. Also, the commercialization of gambling is driving the increased incidence of pathological gambling, including aggressive marketing of these products and counter-messaging that conveys warnings about the dangers of gambling.