Gambling, by definition, involves taking risks with valuables (money, property or personal safety) on events with some degree of uncertainty or chance. Common forms of gambling include betting on sporting events like football accumulators and horse and greyhound races or elections; playing casino games like poker or blackjack; lottery scratch cards; and lotteries.
Gamblers engage in gambling for various reasons. Some find it socially acceptable, while others seek the thrill of taking risks and winning big. Furthermore, it can provide relief from stress or boredom; but be wary that addiction could develop through gambling and cause significant difficulties down the line.
Even though most gamblers do not develop gambling disorders, some individuals are at an increased risk. People with low incomes, young people and men in particular may be susceptible to developing one; such issues can have devastating repercussions including financial ruination, broken relationships and negative impacts on mental health.
Research on the negative impacts of gambling has been extensive; however, less is understood regarding any possible positive benefits it might bring. This article attempts to fill this void by reviewing existing literature and creating an evidence framework which can help identify individual pieces of evidence. Sources used include peer-reviewed journals, books and monographs from publishers as well as policy documents and government reports from 1966 onward. MEDLINE (1966 to present) was searched using MeSH terms such as “gambling” to identify candidate articles for review.
Gambling’s negative impacts are visible at three levels: personal, interpersonal and community/societal (Fig. 1). Personal impacts refer to how gambling impacts individual gamblers themselves while interpersonal effects include those experienced within close relationships such as family and friends. Community/societal effects refers to wider repercussions such as costs or benefits not directly experienced by gamblers themselves.
At least there are ways to reduce your risk of becoming addicted to gambling. Establishing strong support networks such as reaching out to friends and family, joining book clubs or sports teams, or volunteering for charity organizations. Join a support group for those with gambling issues, like Gamblers Anonymous. It follows a 12-step recovery program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Peer support can help you realize you’re not alone and many others have successfully navigated through financial struggles, while setting healthy limits in managing money. Start by setting aside a weekly gambling allowance that cannot be spent on gambling and saving any surplus for emergencies. If your addiction to gambling is severe, professional help might also be worth exploring; many treatment centers provide specific programs designed to combat it.