Gambling is an activity that involves placing something of value (money, time or even a piece of cake) on the outcome of an event with an element of chance. This can be done through the use of lottery tickets, cards, bingo, slots, machines, instant scratch tickets, races, animal tracks, sporting events or dice.

It has been estimated that the amount of money legally wagered on gambling events is around $10 trillion per year. It is a major international commercial activity and has many different forms, including casinos, horse racing, sports betting, lotteries, and video games.

While most people gamble without problems, a small percentage develop gambling disorder, a condition that causes serious psychological and social problems. The condition is characterized by impulse control difficulties and an inability to control gambling behaviours. People with gambling disorders can experience significant personal, family and financial consequences.

Some types of gambling are more addictive than others, but the risk of becoming addicted to any form of gambling varies from person to person. People who are more vulnerable to developing a problem include men, teenagers and those who feel isolated or bored. People with an underlying mental illness are also at greater risk of developing gambling disorders. Those with depression or bipolar disorder, for example, may have more trouble controlling their spending and can be more prone to suicidal thoughts. It is important for these people to seek treatment. There are many resources available for gambling disorder, including support groups and counselling services.