Gambling is an activity in which wealth changes hands on the basis of chance, with money or other material valuables being risked for uncertain outcomes. Common examples include betting on sports events, casino games, lottery drawings, and card games. Unlike other forms of recreation, gambling involves an element of chance and uncertainty, and the outcome of a bet is usually dependent on random factors such as the roll of dice, the spin of a roulette wheel, or the result of a horse race.

Some people gamble for fun and excitement, while others do it to escape from stress or financial problems. Regardless of the reason, gambling can be dangerous because it can change the way your brain responds to rewards. When you win, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine that reinforces your behavior and helps you repeat it in the future. But when you lose, your brain produces a different response that punishes you for your mistakes. This can lead to compulsive gambling.

Despite its many negative consequences, gambling is a growing form of entertainment and a source of income in many countries. It also has the potential to teach a wide range of skills, including pattern recognition, critical thinking, and math. Consequently, it is important to evaluate patients for gambling behaviors in primary care settings. To help address this issue, we performed a systematic review of articles in the MEDLINE database (1966 to 2001) that addressed the relationship between gambling and health, screening strategies for problem or pathological gambling, and treatments for gambling disorders.