While most adults and adolescents have gambled at some point, a significant subset of people develop gambling disorder, defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a persistent pattern of gambling that results in substantial distress or impairment. People can develop a gambling disorder at any age, but it is more common among men than women and in people who have family members with a history of gambling disorder. People who are socially isolated can be particularly vulnerable to developing a gambling disorder, as can children who play video and mobile games that require micro-transactions or payments.
Gambling involves wagering something of value on a random event, with the intent of winning something else of value. While it can involve skill, most gambling is purely a game of chance. In addition to its entertainment value, gambling can also provide a sense of achievement, a feeling of power and control, and a source of income or profit. For some people, it becomes a way of escaping their problems and finding temporary relief.
Many people use gambling as a means of self-soothing unpleasant emotions, unwinding after a stressful day, or to relieve boredom. However, there are healthier and more effective ways to cope with these issues, such as exercising, spending time with friends who do not gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. In addition, there are a variety of peer support groups for people who have problem gambling, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. While research on the benefits of gambling is abundant, studies of its negative impacts have focused mainly on monetary harms and the costs of treatment.