Gambling is a popular pastime with major impacts on people, society and the economy. These impacts can be observed on a personal, interpersonal and community/society level (Fig. 1). Impacts on the individual can include negative effects on self-esteem, family and relationships, work performance, physical health and mental wellbeing. In addition, gambling can lead to debt and financial difficulties that may affect other people – for example, family members, friends, colleagues and community members.
The term ‘gambling’ refers to the wagering of something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome. This can be done for a prize of money or something else of value, such as a meal, concert tickets or a holiday. It can be a form of entertainment, or it can be for business. There are different types of gambling, including online gambling and sports betting. The most common type of gambling is casino gambling, which involves playing games such as roulette, blackjack and video poker. Other forms of gambling can be found in the lottery, bingo and horse racing.
Some people gamble for coping reasons – to forget their problems, to feel more confident or to help them relax. This doesn’t absolve them of responsibility for their actions, but it helps us to understand why they keep gambling and how they can overcome it.
It is also important to remember that the vast majority of casino games have a house edge, which means that you will lose money in the long run. This is true whether you play the skill-based games of blackjack and poker, or the random casino games such as roulette and slot machines. If you want to gamble, make sure you only gamble with money you can afford to lose and set time and money limits for yourself – never chase your losses. Chasing losses will usually result in bigger losses.
In terms of the economy, gambling can create jobs and provide tax revenue for local communities. It can also be beneficial for society, as it encourages social interaction and provides a way to escape the stresses of daily life. It can also improve cognitive skills by teaching people how to assess risk and reward.
However, if gambling is harmful to your health and well-being, you should seek professional help. There are many organisations that offer treatment for gambling addiction and can help you find a healthier and more productive way to manage your finances and emotions.
In addition, you can try to build up a support network by spending time with people who don’t gamble, taking up new hobbies, or volunteering for a cause you care about. You can also join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step model used by Alcoholics Anonymous. The biggest step in overcoming gambling addiction is admitting that you have an issue, and asking for help. It can take a lot of strength and courage to do this, especially if you’ve lost a lot of money and strained or even broken relationships along the way.
