The Impact of Gambling

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Gambling

Gambling is the wagering of something of value on a random event with the intent of winning, where instances of strategy are discounted. Various games of chance can be gambled on, including casinos, horse racing, video poker, roulette, and lotteries. It can also be done online, through a mobile app, or with paper tickets and scratchcards.

Gambling can cause harms and positive impacts at the personal, interpersonal, and community/societal levels. It has been observed that gambling can increase depression and lead to drug and alcohol abuse. It can also contribute to social isolation. In addition, people who have trouble controlling their gambling often experience family and relationship difficulties, debt problems and legal issues. Those with serious gambling addictions may be in need of professional help, such as family therapy and credit and bankruptcy counseling.

The literature demonstrates that many consumers are motivated to gamble for a variety of reasons, such as a desire to win money and the social interactions offered in gambling venues. For example, senior citizens who gamble frequently report higher self-concept and mental health functioning compared to nongambling seniors [8]. Additionally, gambling can be a way for some individuals to escape their problems – particularly for those in low socioeconomic groups.

Despite the wide range of reasons for gambling, research scientists, psychiatrists, and other treatment care clinicians all frame questions about gambling in different ways, based on their disciplinary training, work experience, and specific interests. These differing perspectives have contributed to a lack of common terminology that could be used to communicate about the impact of gambling.