When you think of gambling, the image that most people have is someone who is out of control and desperate for a win. However, a new generation of researchers is challenging societal stereotypes and showing that gambling has many positive health benefits.

Gambling involves risking something of value based on chance, and can take the form of lottery games, sports betting, or casino games like card games. The amount of money legalized for gambling worldwide is estimated at $10 trillion, although much more is illegally wagered. Some governments have taxed gambling, and others use it to generate public goods like roads or hospitals.

The social element of gambling is important, and it can be an excellent way to meet new people. It can also help you relax and improve your mood. When you gamble, your body produces serotonin and dopamine, which are natural stress reducers. These chemicals can also boost your energy levels and improve your concentration. In addition, learning how to play a game or develop a strategy helps stimulate different parts of the brain. This can improve memory, creativity and hand-eye coordination.

Another benefit of gambling is that it can give you hope. Nobody puts $20 into a slot machine thinking, “This will end badly.” Instead, you believe (maybe irrationally, maybe defiantly) that this time, you’ll be the one to defy the odds and beat the house. This optimism can provide a psychological lift and help you cope with life’s more predictable disappointments.