Gambling is risking something of value on an event that is determined at least in part by chance with the hope of gaining more value. People gamble in a variety of ways, including betting on sports games or lottery tickets, buying scratch-off tickets and even playing bingo.

It’s important to note that gambling is not always harmful. However, some types of gambling can lead to addiction. Those who struggle with gambling disorder have trouble controlling their behavior, often exhibiting symptoms such as lying to loved ones or taking out credit cards to fund gambling activities. They may also experience negative consequences from their gambling that affect work, education and personal relationships.

While most people associate gambling with casinos and other high-profile places, the fact is that gambling takes place everywhere. It can include playing bingo, buying a lottery or scratch-off ticket, and betting on office pools.

The definition of gambling differs by state, but generally it includes any activity in which a person risks something of value (often money) on an event that is decided at least in part by chance and has the potential to produce a prize or gain. This does not include a business transaction that is based on contract or a legal right to receive an item of value (such as a car).

The psychiatric community has long understood that pathological gambling is similar to other impulse control disorders such as kleptomania and pyromania. In a landmark decision this past May, the American Psychiatric Association moved pathological gambling to a new category of behavioral addictions in its diagnostic manual, known as DSM-5. This move reflects advances in our understanding of the biology behind addiction.