What is Gambling?
Gambling is a behavior that involves betting something of value on an event with a negative expected value. This can include bets on sports games, card games like poker or blackjack, and other casino-type activities. In addition, gambling can also take place with materials that have a monetary value, such as marbles or collectible game pieces (such as Magic: The Gathering cards or Pogs).
Individuals who gamble may have an underlying mental health condition that contributes to their problems. They may also be influenced by environmental factors, such as a family history of problem gambling or a culture that values the activity.
Throughout history, understanding of the adverse consequences of gambling has undergone profound change. Until recently, individuals who suffered such consequences were considered to have a gambling problem. Today, however, such individuals are more often viewed as having a psychological disorder. This change in perspective has been reflected or stimulated by changes in clinical classification and description of pathological gambling in the various editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Developing a gambling problem can affect people from every background, age group, and income level. It can occur in small towns or large cities, and can affect men and women of all races and religions. In some cases, an undiagnosed gambling problem can lead to suicide. Gambling problems can cause stress, depression, anxiety, and other health issues. They can even interfere with work, relationships, and daily life.