Gambling is the act of wagering something of value on a random event with the intention of winning a prize. In a casino, gambling takes place on games such as roulette, blackjack and poker, but also includes horse races, boxing, numerous playing card and dice games, and cockfighting. Other types of gambling include the lottery and recreational billiards and darts. Generally, the game must involve some consideration of risk and the prize must be something of value in addition to the chance of winning or losing.

A person can be at risk for developing a problem with gambling at any age and it may affect men and women equally. People with a family history of gambling disorder are more at risk. Certain mood disorders such as depression can be triggered by gambling and made worse by it.

There are several ways to reduce the chances of a problem with gambling. One is to limit gambling to a small amount of money and not use credit cards. Another is to set a time limit for how long you will gamble and leave when you reach that limit, whether or not you are winning or losing. Finally, try to make sure you do not gamble when you are stressed or upset, as making good decisions is harder when you are emotional. Avoid chasing losses, as it is almost always a losing proposition and can lead to Bet Regret (the feeling of being betrayed by your own actions). If you have a gambling concern, get help by calling the National Problem Gambling Helpline or searching for local support services on AcademicLiveCare, which allows CU Boulder students, staff and faculty to schedule virtual counseling and psychiatry appointments at any time.