Gambling involves placing something of value, such as money, on an event with a degree of uncertainty in order to win a prize. It can involve betting on games like football matches, horse races, card games, lottery numbers, instant scratch cards or roulette.

For some people gambling can be an enjoyable and social activity. However, for others it can become a serious problem. Problematic gambling can harm health, relationships and performance at work or study, lead to unmanageable debt and even cause homelessness. In addition, it can cause a lot of stress and can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Symptoms of problematic gambling include:

Feeling the need to gamble in secret or lie about how much you’re spending, feeling compelled to gamble until your last dollar is spent, lying about how much you have won, and trying to make back lost money by placing more bets. Problematic gambling can also cause you to miss work or experience difficulties at work, and may lead to unemployment.

The causes of problem gambling are complex, and can vary by person. Some people have a tendency to gamble compulsively because of genetic predisposition and the way their brain’s reward system is wired. Other people might be more likely to develop bad habits, such as impulsivity and poor impulse control, because of the role culture plays in their values and beliefs.

People are influenced by the expectations of their family, friends and culture. For example, some people might believe that gambling is an acceptable pastime because of their culture’s belief that it will help them in the future. This kind of belief can make it hard for someone to recognize that they have a gambling problem and seek help.

Many people also begin to gamble at a young age. This is because the human brain does not mature fully until around the age of 25. It is during this period that people are more likely to engage in risky behavior and develop bad habits, such as gambling.

It is important to remember that there are many other ways to have fun, including spending time with family and friends, going on vacations, taking up a new hobby or volunteering. Taking up new activities can help to prevent an addiction to gambling and encourage positive coping strategies. It is also helpful to practice gratitude, as this can reduce negative thought patterns, such as the illusion of control and the gambler’s fallacy.

It’s also important to have a strong support network to help you overcome your gambling addiction. If you’re struggling, try talking to a friend or finding non-judgemental support from the GamCare helpline. You can also join a peer support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model of Alcoholics Anonymous. If you are unable to find a support network, try changing your environment by travelling a different route to work if you usually drive past a casino, or switch the channel if you’re watching a sports game that triggers your urges to gamble.