Gambling involves wagering something of value on an event with a variable outcome, such as betting on a football team to win, buying lottery tickets, or playing a slot machine. It can also involve virtual gambling, such as sports betting or online poker. Some forms of gambling may involve putting up collectible items (like marbles or trading cards) as stakes.

There are many negative impacts associated with gambling. These impacts can occur on personal, interpersonal, and community/societal levels. At the personal and interpersonal level, negative effects include a person hiding the extent of his or her involvement in gambling from friends, family members, and therapists; lying to cover up a problem; sacrificing relationships, work, education, and health care to gamble; stealing to fund a gambling habit; blaming others for problems caused by gambling; and having a higher risk of substance abuse and depression.

Those who suffer from problem gambling can find relief in supportive relationships, practicing stress reduction techniques, finding other things to do with their time, and addressing their finances by setting limits and seeking treatment. They can also seek help from local referral resources such as certified gambling counselors and intensive residential programs for those with problem gambling disorder. Getting rid of the urge to gamble can be difficult, but the rewards for a life without problem gambling are tremendous. Learn to cope with unpleasant feelings in healthier ways, such as exercising, spending time with non-gambling friends, or taking up a hobby.