Gambling is the activity of risking money or items of value on an outcome based largely on chance. It is a widespread global industry. Gambling is usually conducted with money but can also involve other objects of value, such as marbles or collectible game pieces (e.g., pogs or Magic: The Gathering). The act of gambling evokes a range of emotions and behaviors. In addition to the thrill of winning, people often experience stress and fear when losing. These negative emotions can lead to problem gambling.

When gambling becomes problematic, it is no longer about entertainment or profit. It is a way to escape from reality and meet other needs such as a sense of control, social connection or self-esteem. Those who become addicted to gambling do not always develop a mental illness, but it is important for individuals to understand the risk factors and seek treatment and support if they are experiencing problems.

Problem gambling affects all types of individuals, regardless of economic status, social or cultural background, education level and medical history. It is estimated that 2.5 million adults (1%) meet diagnostic criteria for a severe gambling disorder and many others experience mild or moderate forms of the problem.

Gambling is considered to be an addictive behavior because it activates the reward pathways in the brain. The brain releases dopamine when a person wins and loses. This can be a positive thing if you are playing a skill-based game like shooting basketballs into a net; the brain rewards you each time you successfully hit the basket. However, the dopamine response is hijacked by those with gambling addictions and triggers the same brain reactions as ingesting a drug.

While some forms of gambling are more addictive than others, all types of gambling can cause harm. Problem gambling can affect your work and family life, and can even interfere with your physical health. The good news is that there are many resources available to help you if you have a gambling addiction.

There is no single, agreed-upon nomenclature for the concept of gambling and gambling disorders because researchers, psychiatrists, other treatment care clinicians, and public policy makers frame questions about the topic in a variety of ways based on their disciplinary training, experience and special interests. This variety of perspectives can contribute to confusion and miscommunication. However, it is important to recognize that all forms of gambling can cause harm. The most important distinction is between activities that are purely recreational and those in which the gambler is seeking to meet basic human needs. The distinction is important because the Bible teaches that people should earn their living through honest labor rather than relying on luck or superstition. (Job 42:2, Romans 11:36, Colossians 1:16-17). Seeking to meet human needs through gambling promotes laziness and denies the biblical work ethic that links honesty and reward. This is a form of idolatry that God condemns (e.g., 2 Thessalonians 3:10).