In a world where four out of five Americans say they’ve gambled at least once in their lives, gambling is more socially acceptable and accessible than ever before. But for some people, this activity can be addictive, resulting in a negative impact not just on the individual but also on their family and their community.

In addition to the obvious financial benefits, many people enjoy gambling for non-financial reasons. They may play to relieve unpleasant feelings or as a way to unwind after a stressful day at work or following a fight with their spouse. They may also feel that gambling is a fun way to socialize. However, there are healthier and safer ways to relieve unpleasant emotions, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble or practicing relaxation techniques.

Gambling is a worldwide industry with many different types of games and activities. Some types of gambling involve betting money, such as sports betting or horse racing, while others involve wagering materials with a value (such as marbles or game pieces like Pogs or Magic: The Gathering), but not actual money. Regardless of the type of gambling, it is always possible to lose money and it is important to be mindful of your bankroll.

In the past, the psychiatric community generally viewed pathological gambling as more of a compulsion than an addiction, placing it in a category alongside other impulse control disorders, such as kleptomania and pyromania. But this past May, the American Psychiatric Association moved pathological gambling into the Addictions chapter of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is widely considered a landmark decision reflecting a growing understanding of the biological basis of addiction.