Gambling involves placing a bet on an outcome (win or loss) that is determined mainly by chance. It can also involve wagering materials that have value, such as marbles in a marbles game or cards in a game of Magic: The Gathering.

Gamble-related harms can be significant and widespread, impacting health and wellbeing across communities. They can be caused by a range of factors, including the availability of gambling products and services, marketing, and social norms.

Many countries have distinct laws and regulations governing gambling. A clear definition of gambling is essential to creating effective regulations and maintaining fairness for consumers.

Globally, the demand for gambling is increasing. It poses a threat to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and is associated with higher rates of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, especially among the most vulnerable groups.

The emergence of e-gaming and online casino games has expanded the accessibility of gambling products. These can be played on smartphones and other devices, 24 hours a day. They are often promoted aggressively, for example through sponsorship or association with sports leagues or as a feature of popular social media platforms. This can increase the uptake of gambling products and lead to their normalization.

To reduce the harms associated with gambling, it is important to ensure that people have access to tools to help them control or stop gambling, such as universal pre-commitment systems and self-exclusion mechanisms. These should be combined with education and support to prevent the use of gambling products and to recognise a gambling problem.