Gambling takes many forms: betting on sports or the lottery, scratch tickets, online poker and casinos. There is always someone who wins and someone who loses. This person, known as the house, either predetermines their odds of winning (like the 35-to-1 payout on a roulette wheel) or fluctuates them in the case of gambling games where there is an element of chance, such as a coin toss or a game of horse racing.

Gambling can become an addictive behavior for people of any age, gender, race or social background. But it can especially affect people with mental illness or a history of depression or anxiety. And it can cause problems for families, friends and coworkers.

Problem gambling is a hidden addiction that can be difficult to recognize and address. It often causes emotional and financial stress, such as strained relationships, loss of employment and hiding or lying about money. It may also lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as stealing money to gamble or running up credit card debts.

One of the first steps to overcoming a gambling addiction is to strengthen your support network. This can include reaching out to coworkers or neighbors, joining a book club or a fitness class, volunteering for a charity and/or finding a peer support group like Gamblers Anonymous, which uses the 12-step recovery program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also many therapists who specialize in helping people stop gambling. They can provide individual and family therapy, teach you how to manage your finances, and help you develop healthier coping skills.