Gambling involves risking money or something of value, including time, on an event that is determined by chance. It can involve buying lottery tickets, betting on horse races or other sporting events, playing card games for money, using a slot machine or video poker or gambling online. Some people develop a problem with gambling, which can negatively affect their health, relationships and performance at work or school. It can also lead to debt and homelessness and cause family violence.

Harm from gambling is widespread, with an estimated 1.2% of adults having a gambling disorder. Gambling is also a driver of poverty, by diverting household spending on food and other necessities to gamble. Moreover, for every person who engages in harmful gambling, an average of six others are affected (including non-gamblers), and this is especially true in kinship cultures, where the risk of harm is greater.

Globally, opportunities to gamble are increasingly accessible through commercialization and digitization. This is driving rapid normalization of gambling, with promotion often targeted at vulnerable groups. This includes sponsorship or other association with popular sports leagues and colocation of gambling products in social settings.

The prevalence of gambling is increasing globally, driven by smartphone use in low- and middle-income countries. WHO is working to build capacity to address the public health implications of gambling, including developing new diagnostic tools and facilitating expert consensus on definitions for gambling disorders. These will help guide policy and regulatory efforts worldwide, including to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.