Gambling is the act of risking something valuable (money, assets or property) on an event based on chance. This event can be anything from a lottery to a casino game. Usually, gambling involves some form of skill or knowledge that can be used to influence the outcome of the event.

The brain releases a feel-good chemical called dopamine when you gamble, giving you a rush of pleasure and excitement. Over time, this can lead to addiction. But there are ways to help you get back control.

Problem gambling, sometimes referred to as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, can cause serious mental health problems. It can damage your physical and emotional wellbeing, make relationships difficult and even lead to debt or homelessness. It can also have an impact on work and study. Some people can even kill themselves as a result of gambling.

Some people are more vulnerable to developing a gambling problem than others. For example, men are more likely to develop a gambling problem than women and it’s more common in people who have a family history of gambling problems or mental illness. Having a low income can also increase the vulnerability to gambling problems. Young children who spend a lot of time playing video games and mobile apps that require micro-transactions and payments are also at risk.

There are ways to reduce your risk of gambling, such as limiting access to money (getting rid of credit cards or only keeping them for emergencies), closing online betting accounts and telling friends and family you have a gambling problem. You can also find support by joining a peer group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a 12-step recovery program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.