Gambling involves placing an a priori value on an uncertain event (such as the outcome of a game or a lottery draw) for the possibility of winning something of greater value. It is considered a recreational activity for most people, but some individuals become addicted to gambling, leading to negative personal and social consequences. Adolescents often have trouble separating from the pleasures of gambling, and may continue to gamble into their adulthood. Adolescent problem gambling can lead to future problems, such as substance abuse and financial issues.
Gamblers can be categorized according to their motive for gambling, and the impact of gambling can be observed on three different levels: personal, interpersonal and community/society (Fig. 1). Personal impacts induce effects on the individual gambler, while interpersonal levels affect those closest to the gambler, i.e. family members and friends. Community/society level impacts refer to costs and benefits that affect others who are not gamblers. For example, a person who becomes heavily involved in gambling and incurs debt can also affect his/her family members’ financial situation, or even contribute to bankruptcy and homelessness.
Generally, the benefits of gambling include entertainment, socializing, mental developments and skill improvement, as well as a source of revenue. However, the risks of gambling are also high and can be life threatening. It is therefore important for individuals to understand the factors that cause problematic gambling, and limit their involvement in gambling if possible.
There are many ways to avoid becoming a compulsive gambler, but the most effective way is to establish clear boundaries for yourself before you go to the casino. Start by deciding how much you can comfortably lose before you start playing, and never exceed that amount. Also, don’t use your ATM card when gambling – only take out what you can afford to lose and leave the rest at the hotel. This will help you keep track of how much you’re spending and prevent you from running up a large credit debt.
In addition, it is important to seek treatment for any underlying mood disorders that can trigger or be made worse by gambling. Depression, anxiety and stress can all make a person more likely to gamble compulsively, and can lead to addiction. Furthermore, gambling is a dangerous addiction because it can lead to a downward spiral in which the gambler loses more and more money until he/she can no longer maintain his/her standards of living.
Gambling is an important economic activity, with many jobs related to gambling and tourism industries. It is estimated that worldwide gambling revenues are in the trillions of dollars. However, the social impacts of gambling can be severe and long-term. These can result in a loss of societal real wealth, which is difficult to quantify. This article will discuss the current state of knowledge regarding social impacts of gambling, and provide a framework for developing a common methodology for measuring them. It will also highlight some important gaps in our understanding of the socioeconomic impacts of gambling.