Gambling is the act of staking something of value (cash or material goods) on an uncertain event with the hope of winning a prize. This activity is characterized by the element of risk and uncertainty, whether it’s the roll of a dice, a spin of a slot machine or the outcome of a horse race. Traditionally, gambling was only done with real money or items of value such as coins and tokens but it has become an international industry with numerous forms including online gaming, sports betting and daily fantasy sports.

People gamble for many reasons, from socializing to alleviating stress to feeling a sense of euphoria, which is linked to the brain’s reward system. However, most of the time, gambling is all about chance and risk-taking.

The risks associated with gambling are higher for some groups than others. People with lower incomes are more vulnerable, as are young people and men who are more likely to develop a gambling disorder. The easy accessibility of gambling products is another risk factor, with the prevalence of high-intensity products disproportionately located in areas of disadvantage. The aggressive promotion of gambling in popular culture and on social media also increases the likelihood of harm.

There are several ways to help prevent harmful gambling behaviours, such as setting limits on how long you’re allowed to play and not using credit cards. It’s important to get support from a trusted family member or counsellor, and to find alternative recreational activities.