Gambling is the wagering of something of value (money, possessions, or other assets) on an uncertain event with an unpredictable outcome. It may involve skill, such as knowledge of game strategies that can improve the chances of winning, or it may be entirely random, as in the case of a lottery or a sports bet.
While most people who gamble do so without problem, a significant minority develop gambling disorders – an addictive pattern of behavior that causes substantial distress or impairment. A diagnosis of gambling disorder is made by a mental health professional.
A person who is diagnosed with gambling disorder may experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and these can have a profound effect on family, work, and personal life. Gambling can also mask underlying mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or stress, and if these are left untreated, they may make problems with gambling worse.
Although most people think of casinos and sports betting as types of gambling, many other activities also qualify as gambling. Online poker, fantasy sports leagues, lottery tickets, scratch-off games, and even DIY investing can all be considered gambling. Additionally, gambling can be conducted with non-monetary items of value such as marbles, pogs, or collectible cards. In these cases, the amount that is wagered is less than money but still represents a risk and an uncertainty.