Whether it’s buying a lottery ticket, betting on horse races or sports events, or playing online pokies, gambling is an activity that involves risking money or anything of value in the hope of winning. While many people enjoy a little bit of gambling, others develop serious addictions that cause financial and emotional harm. Fortunately, there are ways to address these issues and break free from gambling.

Gambling is a major global commercial activity, with the total amount wagered estimated to be around $10 trillion annually (illegal gambling may exceed this figure). In addition to cash, other forms of wagering involve objects or materials that have a monetary value, such as marbles, small discs used in games such as poker and Magic: The Gathering, and collectible trading cards. Some countries have national or state-licensed lotteries, while organized football pools and other sports betting are available in most European and North American countries.

While most adults and adolescents have gambled, only a subset of those activities results in the development of gambling disorder, which is defined by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as persistent, recurrent, and uncontrollable gambling behavior that leads to distress or impairment. These disorders can affect all age groups, both males and females, and occur at all socioeconomic levels. Although some researchers have attempted to identify and treat the risk factors for gambling disorders, integrated approaches have provided only varying degrees of effectiveness. This may be due to the different theoretical conceptualizations of pathological gambling and their treatment procedures, as well as the fact that these disorders are complex and multifactorial.

For individuals struggling with a gambling disorder, there are a variety of treatments that can help them stop. These include psychotherapy, which consists of various therapy techniques that are conducted with a mental health professional, and family and group therapy. Some types of psychotherapy are designed to improve self-awareness and understanding of one’s unhealthy patterns of behavior, while others focus on changing the way a person thinks and feels.

Another important approach is to address underlying mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, which often contribute to or make worse problems with gambling. This can be done by finding other ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or learning relaxation techniques. It’s also important to remember that if you are experiencing depression or anxiety, it’s always best to seek medical help.

In addition, there are a number of support groups that can offer encouragement and guidance. For example, attending a meeting of Gamblers Anonymous, a peer support program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, can be an effective way to learn from the experiences of other gamblers who have overcome their problem. A national helpline and other resources are also available.