Gambling is an activity in which a person risks something of value in hopes of earning more. It can involve billiards, card games, bingo, casinos, lottery and sports gambling. Some forms of gambling have higher risk than others, but all can lead to problematic behavior if not controlled.

Like other addictions, gambling can be triggered by or make worse certain mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It can also cause problems with work, family and friends. It can be dangerous to a person’s health and may result in financial loss. It can also increase a person’s suicide risk.

Problematic gambling can be difficult to recognize, because it often involves a denial of the problem and attempts to hide it from loved ones. People with a history of mental illness can be at increased risk, because their brains respond differently to reward and risk. Research suggests that genetic predisposition to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity can play a role in the development of a gambling disorder.

Unlike most addictions, gambling does not involve ingesting chemical substances, but it produces the same dopamine response as drugs do. This can be particularly problematic because it changes the way we judge whether a particular action is beneficial or harmful. In addition, the dopamine response is activated even when we are losing, which can cause people to continue gambling in hope of a big win. Other factors that can contribute to a gambling disorder include boredom susceptibility, an illusion of control, stress, use of escape coping, and depression.