Gambling is betting or staking something of value on an uncertain event with awareness of the risk of losing the stake and hope of winning. It can range from buying lottery tickets to gambling in casinos. It is often illegal and is associated with organized crime, blackmail and money laundering. The psychiatric community has traditionally regarded pathological gambling as a compulsion rather than an addiction, but in May 2015 the APA moved it to the Addictions chapter of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Gambling can cause both positive and negative impacts. Beneficial effects include socialization, skill improvement and enjoyment of the game itself. These can be difficult to measure and can vary over time and gambling venues. Negative impacts, however, have been found to be higher in those who gamble for large amounts of money and are characterized by increased debts, bankruptcy, homelessness and family distress.

People gamble for a variety of reasons, including boredom, stress, loss of employment, and depression. They can also be motivated by the desire to win a prize, or for the social and entertainment benefits of gambling. Many people can enjoy gambling responsibly, but 20 percent overindulge and incur debts that impair their ability to support their families unless they stop. This article examines the costs and benefits of gambling, both personal and societal, using a public health approach. Costs are primarily monetary, but can also be in the form of indirect costs and long-term damage to physical and mental health.