Gambling is risking something of value (often money) on an activity that relies primarily on chance and hopes to realize a profit. It has existed in virtually every society since prerecorded history and is incorporated into many local customs and rites of passage.

Whether it’s buying a lottery ticket, playing slots or poker, or putting together your fantasy sports team, gambling involves taking a risk with the hope of winning. But it’s important to know the risks and warning signs of gambling problems before you start losing control.

While there are differences in gambling habits between people, research suggests that gamblers have some similar motivations and impulses. For example, all gamblers want to win, and most do not expect to lose, but some individuals have a harder time controlling their urges to gamble than others. When this impulsiveness leads to pathological gambling, which is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as an impulse control disorder, it can have devastating consequences.

Some forms of gambling are more dangerous than others, but all types can cause serious issues when a person starts to get hooked. When gambling becomes a problem, it is likely to affect all aspects of the individual’s life. Common issues that arise include: