gamblers

Gamblers are individuals who engage in gambling activities, risking money or valuables on games of chance, skill, or mixed elements with the aim of winning more money. Gambling can be casual or problematic when it interferes with daily life.

Common forms include casino games, lotteries, sports betting, online gambling, poker, and bingo. Settings range from physical venues to online platforms, with regulation varying by jurisdiction. Responsible-gambling tools such as self-exclusion, loss limits, and reality checks are widely available in many places.

Motivations vary from entertainment and social activity to the prospect of financial gain. For some people, gambling becomes a behavioral addiction characterized by persistent urges, loss of control, and continued gambling despite negative consequences.

Risks include financial hardship, debt, relationship strain, mental health problems, and, in severe cases, criminal activity to fund gambling. Co-occurring disorders are common.

Treatment and support: Gambling disorder is recognized in DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 as a behavioral addiction. Screening and brief interventions are used in primary care. Treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and, when appropriate, pharmacotherapy for coexisting conditions. Peer support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, family therapy, and financial counseling can help. Prevention measures include public health strategies and operator controls such as spending limits and self-exclusion.

Prevalence and regulation: Estimates of gambling disorder vary; some studies place adults with gambling disorder around 1-3%, with higher rates among youths or subgroups. Legal status ranges from tightly regulated to illegal in some places, with age limits and licensing requirements for operators.

Impact: Gambling can affect individuals, families, and communities and is a public health concern in many countries.