Gambling is the wagering of something of value on a random event with the intent of winning something else of value, where instances of strategy are discounted. It can be done with real money or material items that have a monetary value, such as marbles, Pogs or Magic: The Gathering collectible game pieces. It can also be done without money, such as in the case of a horse race or football match where fans place bets on which team or player will win.

Gambling has many negative impacts on individuals and society. These include financial, labor and health/wellbeing effects. Depending on the type of gambling, these impacts can be at the personal or interpersonal level, and the community/society or economy/environment level. These impacts can be long-term and create a change in the life course of gamblers.

Supportive groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, can be helpful in overcoming addiction. The organization is based on Alcoholics Anonymous and helps addicts recover from their gambling addictions by providing a safe environment and peer support for recovery. Similarly, joining a sports team or book club, enrolling in an educational class or volunteering for a charitable cause can help people build stronger relationships and develop new interests that don’t involve visiting casinos or betting online.

Many people who gamble are not aware that their behavior is harmful to themselves and others. This can make it hard for them to recognize their problem and seek help. In addition, they may believe that the benefits of gambling outweigh the costs. They may also be reluctant to admit their gambling problem because of the shame and stigma associated with it.