Gambling is an activity in which something of value, typically money, is placed at risk in the hopes of winning more. The activity can take many forms, from betting on sports events or playing cards with friends in a private setting to more formal games such as casino tables and slot machines. The most common reason for people to gamble is for entertainment or fun. However, some people become too involved and find it hard to control their gambling habits. This can have negative personal, family and financial impacts on those affected.

Problem gambling can affect anyone, from children to grandparents and can cause serious problems for their physical and mental health as well as their relationships with family and friends and their performance at work or study. It can also lead to serious debt and even homelessness. Problem gamblers are at a much higher risk of suicide than those who do not gamble.

Studies on the impact of gambling are often limited in their scope by focusing solely on the economic costs and benefits of the activity. This approach misses a large proportion of the impact, as it does not consider social or interpersonal effects that are nonmonetary by nature. For example, a person’s motivation to gamble can be influenced by their social environment, and concentrating only on problematic gambling ignores this aspect. Using a public health approach to the study of gambling impacts may help to avoid these limitations and provide a more accurate picture of the impact of the activity on society.