In this talk, Dr. Carolyn Hawley explores the dangers of problem gambling and explains the addictive nature of uncertainty. With examples from her career as a rehabilitation counselor, Hawley highlights the effects dopamine has on the gambler's brain and why gambling habits sometimes lead to problems. Carolyn E. Hawley, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program, Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, College of Health Professions, at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also the Director of the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health, and President of the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling. She has served on the Board of the National Council on Problem Gambling. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx