Gambling involves betting something of value on a random event, the outcome of which is determined by chance. It includes games like roulette or slot machines and card games, as well as sports bets or scratchcards. Most people in the United States gamble from time to time and most do so without problems. Some, however, develop a gambling disorder that is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) as a persistent and recurrent pattern of problematic gambling behavior.

People may gamble for social, emotional, or financial reasons. They may place bets on a football game or a horse race because they enjoy the excitement and the prospect of winning. They may also play scratchcards for a small prize, or even cash prizes. People who gamble for monetary gain may find themselves in debt, and some can lose their homes or other assets. People with gambling disorders often experience depression, anxiety, poor relationships, and loss of self-esteem. Several studies have shown that people with these disorders may have an underactive brain reward system, which can cause them to seek pleasure from addictive activities.

The understanding of what causes people to have a gambling problem has changed over time. It is now considered an impulse control disorder, as described in the fifth edition of the psychiatric manual of the American Psychiatric Association, and it is believed that it can co-occur with other disorders like depression or bipolar disorder.

Research into the causes of gambling problems is ongoing. Scientists aim to understand why some people are predisposed to developing them, which will help prevent their occurrence and facilitate effective treatment. A variety of theories are proposed, including sensation-seeking and novelty-seeking. These theories are based on the observation that people who gamble tend to take risks in order to feel intense sensations, and they can lead to the development of addiction.

Many people with gambling disorders benefit from therapy. There are a variety of therapeutic options, including individual and group therapy, family therapy, and marriage and career counseling. Therapists can help their clients break the cycle of gambling and re-establish healthy boundaries in their lives. They can also provide tools and strategies for managing impulses and finding healthier ways to deal with emotions. People with gambling disorders also benefit from joining support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a twelve-step program similar to that of Alcoholics Anonymous.