Gambling is the betting of something of value, with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on an uncertain event whose outcome is determined by chance. It is an activity that can be done in many ways, including online gambling. While gambling may provide some people with enjoyment, it can also lead to financial ruin and can negatively affect a person’s health and wellbeing.

It is important for clinicians to consider a patient’s gambling behaviors when screening for substance use and mental health problems, particularly since there is growing evidence that pathological gambling is a behavioral addiction. There is a role for evaluating patients in primary care settings for gambling behavior that meets criteria for an addictive disorder, and for offering support.

While it is often thought that the more someone gambles, the more likely they are to win, this is not necessarily true. It is also important to be aware of the ‘Gambler’s Fallacy’, which states that if an event or outcome has occurred more frequently in the past, it will occur less frequently in the future.

People who suffer from a gambling problem often do so as a way to meet some basic human needs, such as escaping stress or feeling a sense of belonging. They may also do it to satisfy cravings for reward, excitement or status. These cravings are fueled by the brain’s dopamine response, which is similar to the effect of drug use. This can make a person feel rewarded over and over again, even if they are losing.