Gambling is an activity in which people risk money or something else of value on a game of chance, such as a lottery or sports betting. It is most commonly done through casinos and other types of commercial gambling establishments, but it can also be done through online and mobile gaming platforms and in some states through legalized lotteries and social games with gambling elements for adults and children.

It has never been easier to place a bet: Casinos are no longer limited to major cities, and mobile devices allow people to gamble from virtually anywhere at any time, even on the go. Additionally, the availability of betting on professional and amateur sporting events has led to increased accessibility and proliferation of gambling, even for children and teenagers who are below the age of 18.

People who struggle with gambling have a range of factors that lead to their addiction, including an underactive brain reward system, an underdeveloped understanding of randomness, impulsivity, boredom susceptibility, escape coping and stress-related life experiences. These factors can be compounded by a lack of healthy alternatives to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as learning new hobbies, spending time with friends who do not gamble, exercise and relaxation techniques.

It can be hard for loved ones to know when a person’s gambling is becoming a problem, especially since they may hide their activity and lie to family members about it. If you are concerned that your friend or loved one is developing a gambling addiction, try to set boundaries in managing their finances and taking control of their credit cards; speak to a counselor or psychologist who can help them overcome this challenge; and consider seeking peer support through groups like Gamblers Anonymous.