Gambling occurs when people stake something of value—money or items—in the hope of winning a prize. It is a common activity in many societies and can be found in many different forms, from the lottery to casinos, sports betting and online games. It is often accompanied by feelings of excitement and risk. While the majority of people who gamble do so without any problems, a small percentage develop gambling disorder. This is a serious problem that can damage relationships and careers, cause health problems and leave people in debt or even homeless. People with this disorder may also engage in illegal activities to try to recover lost money.
Gamblers benefit from the release of dopamine, a natural reward chemical, when they win. This release occurs in brain areas similar to those activated by taking drugs of abuse, and can be addictive. Thousands of people around the world make their living solely through gambling, and this is often considered a legitimate form of income.
Those who have a problem with gambling often feel the need to hide their behavior or lie about their gambling, fearing that others will not understand or that they might be surprised by a big win. They can become secretive and even hide assets from their loved ones, or bet against family members in the hopes of winning back some of their money. They may become irritable and angry when they lose, or continue gambling even after they have spent all of their money.