About $10 trillion in legal bets are wagered on sports events and games of chance worldwide each year (illegal betting may exceed even this figure). Gambling is any game in which you stake something of value, such as money or property, with the potential for a prize win. The most common forms of gambling include lotteries, casinos and other casino games, horse races, and sports bets.
Like other forms of addiction, gambling changes the brain’s reward system. As a result, people can lose control of their gambling behaviors. When that happens, the harms of gambling can outweigh its entertainment value.
Various factors affect whether or not gambling becomes harmful. These include the gambling environment and community, how much people gamble, and their ability to access programs and resources that can help them stop or reduce gambling-related harms.
Gambling can trigger a variety of emotions, including anxiety, stress, regret and guilt. These feelings can have a negative impact on health, well-being and work performance. People who are concerned that they or someone close to them is struggling with gambling should seek help from a trained mental health professional.
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t approve any medications to treat gambling disorder, several types of psychotherapy can help. These treatment techniques can teach you to change unhealthy thoughts, emotions and behaviors that contribute to your gambling problems. They can also help you learn healthier ways to handle stress and find other sources of pleasure.