How Gambling Affects People and Society
Gambling is a popular recreational activity in most countries, and can have significant impacts on gamblers, their families and society. These impacts can be both negative and positive. Negative gambling effects can include financial problems, conflicts in relationships and feelings of anger, fear or guilt. Positive effects can include enjoyment, relaxation, a sense of achievement, and a way to socialize with friends and family.
Problem gambling is often referred to as the ‘hidden addiction’ because there are few outward signs that it is happening. However, there are many ways to tell when it becomes more than an occasional diversion – it can be a destructive behaviour that causes serious harm.
Some of the most important warning signs of problem gambling are changes in attitude and mood – feeling down, irritable or frustrated a lot of the time, lying to loved ones and missing out on life’s events. Taking money from family and friends or using credit cards to pay off debts can also be a sign that gambling has become a problem.
There are many types of gambling, from games of chance with real money to betting on sports events with virtual money. In the latter case, it is possible to make bets on almost anything imaginable. It is a very global business, with hundreds of online gambling websites available to players from all over the world. People can access them on their computers, tablets or smartphones, 24 hours a day.