The Positive and Negative Impacts of Gambling
Gambling involves wagering something of value on a random event with the hope of winning a prize. People gamble in casinos, racetracks, on the internet and even at sporting events. It can be an enjoyable pastime for many, but it can also harm a person’s health and relationships, interfere with work or school performance and lead to serious debt. In extreme cases, gambling can cause suicide or homelessness. Fortunately, help is available for problem gamblers and their families.
Negative economic impacts of gambling are usually associated with increased costs for individuals, businesses and local governments. These costs can include increased crime, increased public service demands, decreased productivity and lost tax revenues. These costs are often based on estimates of the amount spent by gamblers, but they are not always accurate and can vary over time and by type of gambling.
Studies have also analyzed the positive economic effects of gambling. For example, it has been suggested that a recreational gambler’s enjoyment of a game increases his or her self-concept. Moreover, it has been suggested that for some lower socioeconomic groups, the ability to gamble with scarce resources can contribute to optimism in difficult life circumstances.
In addition to negative impacts, there are also some positive social and community impacts of gambling. These benefits may be a result of social interactions at gambling venues, or they may be associated with the sense of accomplishment and status that comes from making a win. For some individuals, gambling is a way to relieve boredom or tension.
While some gambling-related research has focused on the positive aspects of gambling, most have neglected to incorporate a comprehensive, holistic approach to studying gambling. It is important to consider both positive and negative impacts of gambling, as well as their timing and magnitude, in order to understand the full spectrum of costs and benefits that occur.
A number of studies have examined the impact of gambling at the personal, interpersonal and community/society levels. The personal level refers to the gamblers, while the interpersonal level encompasses those close to the gamblers (e.g., family members and friends). The community/society level examines the impact of gambling on the broader society, including its financial and social costs.
The best way to address problems related to gambling is to seek professional help. Options include therapy, family counseling, marriage and divorce therapy and career or credit counseling. Other strategies include strengthening support networks, finding alternative hobbies and activities and limiting access to money, which is the root of gambling problems. For instance, a gambler who is trying to stop gambling can put his or her credit cards in the hands of someone else or make them inactive, use cash instead of credit and set limits on online betting. In addition, a gambler can seek help from a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. This program can help a gambler find a new, healthy lifestyle.