Gambling is the act of wagering money on the outcome of a game in the hope of predicting the correct outcome and winning the bet.

Why do people gamble?

Feeling lucky: Whether its buying a lottery ticket, participating in a bingo game or playing the slot machine, many people gamble because they are simply feeling lucky. How many times have you taken a chance on something because you had a good feeling about it?

To have fun: It's not always about the money, but more about the adrenaline rush and the thrill and excitement of the game. The emotional highs and lows one may experience during a game may sometimes be sufficient enough to keep the player addicted to the game.

Financial need: Gambling as a means of trying to satisfy a financial need is without a doubt, a very dangerous and unhealthy practice. Gambling should be viewed as a recreational activity and not as a means of making money, especially when considering the fact that the player can't afford to lose the money being gambled with.

Escape: Sometimes life can become very boring and mundane and we look for ways to escape the reality of our lives. Whether its due to a simple case of boredom, or an unhappy home environment, gambling at a casino may sometimes provide a brief means of escaping from the reality of one's life.

Relaxation: As a means of relaxating and letting one's hair down, gambling can be a great way to unwind from the many stresses of life. The pleasant, elegant and relaxing atmosphere of the casino itself can be a major source of appeal in itself.

To win money: Gambling presents an excellent means to win easy money. Of course, it can also be a great way to lose money, but the eternally optimistic gambler prefers not to dwell on the possibility of such an outcome.

Worthwhile cause: Wagering to support a good cause (i.e. charity) can be all the motivation one needs to place a few innocent bets. If the player wins the bet, then that is a bonus for the player, but if the player loses the bet, then at least it will be lost to aid a worthwhile cause.

Socializing: The pleasant and relaxing atmosphere of the casino is a great place for friends and family to socialize. Whether it's at the casino restaurant or the bar, people often visit a casino to simply socialize, meet new people and catch up with friends.

Although a great number of people will visit a casino and gamble for the purpose of making money, the majority of casino visitors will visit a casino and gamble for a variety of different reasons.

Adel Awwad is the webmaster of Free Casino Cash Guide