Gambling is the risking of something of value (such as money or possessions) on an activity that relies on chance. It has been part of many cultures throughout history and is included in some rites of passage, such as weddings. Whether done for entertainment or to try to win money, gambling is an addictive activity that can have negative personal and family consequences.
When people gamble, their brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of excitement and reward. This chemical response occurs regardless of whether the person wins or loses. This is why it can be difficult to stop gambling once the addiction starts.
While most people enjoy gambling and it is a popular social activity, some individuals develop problems with gambling that can have significant personal, financial, and family consequences. A small number of these individuals develop pathological gambling, which is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition as a persistent pattern of excessive and problematic gambling that is out of control.
Many different factors may lead to problematic gambling, including the desire for excitement and a feeling of euphoria associated with winning, which are linked to the release of dopamine in the brain. Moreover, some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behavior and have difficulty controlling impulses. Moreover, gambling can become a way of avoiding difficult emotions such as anger and sadness by covering them with the temporary relief of winning money or the gratification of socializing with friends.