Gambling involves putting something of value on the outcome of an uncertain event, with awareness of risk and in the hope of gain. It varies from a lottery ticket bought by people with little to spare, to the sophisticated casino gambling of the wealthy for profit or as an entertainment activity. It may be legal or illegal, and can involve skill (such as card games), chance (e.g., the roll of a dice) or both.

Gambling can have a negative impact on people’s lives when it interferes with their physical or mental health, work and family life, or social relationships. It can also lead to serious debt and even homelessness. It is important to remember that compulsive gambling is a form of self-medication, and often people use it to avoid dealing with painful feelings. Instead, they need to learn healthier ways to relieve boredom, stress or anxiety, such as exercise, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Understanding how and why a person gambles can help you to support them when they have a problem. It’s a good idea to start by limiting the amount of money they can spend on gambling. This could mean removing credit cards, asking them to make their own bank deposits or setting limits on online betting accounts. It’s also helpful to look for underlying mood problems that can contribute to gambling problems, such as depression or anxiety. These can be treated with medication and other supports, such as cognitive behavioural therapy.