Gambling involves wagering money or other valuables on an event whose outcome is based on chance. The activity is generally associated with risk and uncertainty, and it may involve the use of a die or roulette wheel. The activity is regulated by laws and policies in many places worldwide. Historically, gambling was often seen as immoral and had a poor reputation. However, it is now recognised as a serious addiction, and pathological gambling has been included in the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders since 2013.
Gamblerism affects all levels of society. People may gamble for a variety of reasons, including escapism and thrill seeking. Some people are able to control their gambling behaviour, while others find it difficult to do so. Some people are driven to gamble as a way of meeting their basic human needs, such as the need for belonging. This can be particularly problematic in casinos, which are designed to create a sense of exclusivity and status among their customers.
Some people gamble for coping reasons, such as to forget their problems or to boost self-esteem. These reasons do not excuse the behaviour, but they can help us understand it. People also gamble for partial reinforcement, where their actions are not reinforced 100% of the time, but they expect to be rewarded at some point. This is a key reason why gamblers can be so resilient after a loss or string of losses.
The social impact of gambling is a complex issue, and it is important to differentiate between personal, interpersonal and community/society impacts. For example, a personal impact will be felt by the gambler themselves, while an interpersonal impact will be felt by their friends and family. A community/society impact will be felt by non-gamblers, and this includes the costs of gambling, such as increased debt or financial strain on families and communities.