Gambling involves risking money or other valuables on events that depend on chance, such as the roll of a dice or the outcome of a horse race. It can be done in many ways, including through lottery tickets, casino games (e.g., blackjack or poker), sports betting, and more. While it can be fun, gambling can also have harmful effects.

It is not clear why people gamble, but some do it for social reasons, such as joining friends at a casino or watching a sporting event. Others may do it for financial reasons, such as trying to win the jackpot or thinking about what they would do with the money if they won. Some people also gamble to feel a rush or high, which can be caused by the excitement of winning or by the anticipation of a potential win.

The impact of gambling can be seen at the personal, interpersonal and society/community levels. The impact at the personal level causes negative effects to gamblers themselves, while the impacts at the interpersonal and society/community levels affect other people. These impacts include financial, labor and health/well-being costs and benefits, and can have a long-term effect on a person’s life course.

If you are worried about your own or someone else’s gambling, or if they seem to be losing control of their finances, it is important to seek help. There are several things you can do, such as talking to a friend or family member, getting professional counseling (e.g., marriage, career or credit counseling), or joining a support group for problem gamblers (such as Gamblers Anonymous).