Gambling is the staking of something of value (money or material goods) on an event whose outcome is determined by chance. This event could be the roll of a dice, the spin of a roulette wheel or the result of a horse race. Historically, gambling has been considered immoral and illegal; it can impoverish families and lead to blackmail. However, in recent years understanding of gambling and its adverse consequences has undergone profound change. It is now generally recognized that individuals who gamble may experience psychological problems.

Research evidence indicates that gambling involves a number of factors, including impulsivity. It is also known that people who engage in gambling may be affected by mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress. Consequently, it is important to treat any mood disorder before attempting recovery from gambling.

Many factors can influence the likelihood of developing a gambling problem, including age, family background and education, ethnicity, gender and social environment. Generally, those with lower education and/or incomes are more likely to develop a gambling problem than those with higher educational and/or income levels.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent gambling addiction, such as avoiding ‘problem’ casinos, setting aside an amount of money for gambling each day and playing with smaller stakes. It is also helpful to seek support and join a recovery program such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12 step model of Alcoholics Anonymous.