Gambling involves risking something of value on an event that is determined at least in part by chance. While most people who engage in gambling do so without problems, a small percentage develop a serious gambling disorder, defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (called DSM) as an impulse control disorder. People with this disorder have an irresistible urge to gamble and continue even when it causes distress or problems in their personal and professional lives. They may also be secretive about their behavior, thinking that others won’t understand or that they can hide the problem from those close to them. They may even try to “chase” their losses by increasing their bets, hoping that they will get back the money they lost.

While most people associate gambling with casinos and slot machines, there are many other types of gambling. Playing card games like poker or blackjack in a private setting, for example, is considered gambling. So is buying lottery or scratch-off tickets. In addition, some social activities can be considered gambling, such as placing bets on sports events with friends or coworkers.

Research shows that there are many common traits among people with a gambling problem. They often have a history of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety, which can be made worse by compulsive gambling. In addition, some individuals have an underactive brain reward system that can make them more susceptible to thrill-seeking behaviors and impulsivity. Some have a genetic predisposition for gambling addiction, and their families may be at higher risk for the condition as well.

Some communities also have a culture of gambling, which can make it harder for people to recognize when their gambling is out of control. This can be especially true in cultures where gambling is a prominent pastime, such as in some Native American tribes. In these cases, a person’s culture can shape their beliefs about what constitutes a gambling problem and the severity of that problem.

Those in recovery from gambling addiction can take steps to prevent relapse by strengthening their support network, surrounding themselves with non-gambling friends, avoiding tempting environments and websites, and giving up credit cards. They can also learn to relieve boredom or unpleasant feelings in healthier ways, such as by exercising, spending time with family and friends who don’t gamble, taking up a new hobby, or practicing relaxation techniques. If they find that they are still struggling, they can seek out the help of a counselor or join a peer-support group for gambling addicts, such as Gamblers Anonymous. This program is based on the 12-step model used by alcoholics anonymous and offers support from fellow gamblers who have successfully overcome their addictions. This is an important step to staying in recovery, since relapses can be very difficult to overcome. During the early stages of recovery, a person should be particularly careful about online gaming sites and avoid them altogether if possible. This is because many of these sites have high profit margins, and are designed to lure gamblers in with the promise of big winnings.