Gambling involves placing a wager or stake of something of value, with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on the outcome of a game, contest, or uncertain event that is determined by chance or accident. This includes betting on sports, horse racing, lotteries, casino games, and bingo. It also includes the use of devices such as slot machines and electronic gaming machines.

The act of gambling can trigger a range of harmful psychological and social consequences. For example, it can divert household consumption expenditure from essential goods and services. It can lead to mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, and suicide. It can also undermine family and work life, and contribute to poverty by displacing spending on food, housing and other necessities.

It is important to recognize the signs of problematic gambling. These may include spending more than you can afford, being secretive, or getting into debt. It’s also important to understand the rules of gambling, including the odds and house edge.

Although the incidence of pathological gambling has declined in recent years, it remains widespread, with 1.2% of adults having a gambling disorder, and many more at higher-risk levels. In addition, research is needed to improve our understanding of how and why people gamble at high-risk levels, including the impact of kinship culture on gambling patterns. Ultimately, effective public policy to reduce harm from gambling requires multisectoral action. The development of standardized tools with demonstrated psychometric properties is a vital first step in this endeavor.