The Social Impact of Gambling
Gambling is the wagering of something of value on an event that is based on chance, where instances of strategy are discounted. It can be a form of entertainment, a recreational activity or a form of investment. It can also be a way to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as boredom, depression, grief or stress. Gambling is a popular pastime for many people, and it can also be addictive. For some, gambling becomes a serious problem that can affect their health and relationships, cause financial problems, interfere with their work or school performance and lead to legal trouble or homelessness.
Problem gamblers often feel the need to be secretive about their gambling activities. They may lie about how much they are spending or try to hide evidence of their gambling from family and friends. They also may spend time and energy trying to win back lost money, even if they are putting their own health at risk. Attempts to overcome the urge to gamble can be hard, but it is important to seek help if you are concerned about your own or someone else’s gambling habits.
While the vast majority of studies on gambling focus on costs, there are a few that have attempted to assess the social impact of gambling and its benefits. These studies typically use a cost-benefit analysis, which considers the changes in well-being that occur on various levels of society (personal, interpersonal and societal) and includes both monetary and non-monetary impacts.
Most studies of gambling concentrate on the monetary aspects of gambling, such as increased tourism, infrastructure changes and changes in market prices. These studies tend to overlook the indirect economic costs of gambling, such as the harms caused by problem gambling and its spillover effects. A few studies have sought to quantify these “societal externalities” by using a cost-benefit analysis, but they have struggled to develop a framework that can accurately determine the net positive and negative impacts of gambling.
There are a number of ways to manage the risks associated with gambling, including avoiding high stakes games and setting financial limits. It is also important to set boundaries in your relationship with the problem gambler, such as by not funding their gambling and limiting how much they can bet each week. Families of gamblers can also provide support and assistance, by helping to control the finances and providing emotional and mental support. It can be helpful to find a support group for people who are dealing with problems related to gambling, and to learn healthier ways to cope with unpleasant emotions.
