Gambling is an activity where people place a bet or wager on the outcome of an event based on chance. This can be done with money or other valuables (such as collectible game pieces like marbles, pogs, or Magic: The Gathering cards). The most common form of gambling involves betting on sports events or games, but it can also include lotteries, casino games, and online betting.

Many countries regulate the gambling industry to minimize harm, but globalization of the industry is a challenge for effective public health response. It requires cross-country cooperation to identify and share data, create regulatory capacity, and support upstream efforts to prevent gambling harm.

There are a number of ways to help someone who is struggling with a gambling addiction, including family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Family counseling can teach you how to communicate effectively with your loved one about their gambling problem. CBT can also help you change unhealthy gambling behaviors and break down the irrational beliefs that lead to them. Counseling can also address any co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, which may contribute to problem gambling.

Research shows that compulsive gambling is more common in men than women, but it can affect anyone at any age. Compulsive gamblers tend to start gambling as children or teenagers, and they are more likely to have a gambling problem if they started in these years. Compulsive gamblers can also have a harder time quitting gambling if they have had previous problems with substance abuse or other forms of addiction.

It’s important to seek treatment for a gambling disorder as soon as you realize it’s a problem, especially if you’re having financial or personal issues caused by the behavior. A therapist or psychiatrist can work with you to develop a treatment plan and determine if there are any underlying conditions that contribute to the gambling disorder. The underlying conditions might be treated with medication or lifestyle changes, but your doctor can help you decide what will work best for you.

Often, gambling can be a way for people to cope with negative emotions or stressors, such as anger, depression, or anxiety. If you have a friend or family member who is dealing with these kinds of feelings, you can encourage them to use other coping mechanisms, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or talking to a counselor.

It’s also important to set limits when it comes to managing finances, so a person who is struggling with a gambling disorder doesn’t end up in debt. You can find out more about setting financial boundaries by speaking to a specialist from StepChange, a free debt charity. There’s a link between gambling and suicidality, so it’s important to get support if you have thoughts of suicide or are at risk of hurting yourself. Speak to a GP or call 999 in an emergency. There’s also a 24/7 crisis line available for people in the UK.