The Impacts of Gambling

Gambling involves risking something of value – money, property or life for a possible return of more value. It can be as simple as placing a bet on a football match, or as complex as playing a scratchcard. In the past, gambling was mostly confined to casinos in cities like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but now it’s available on the internet and through video games and sports betting. It’s also easy to access for people of all ages, even for those well below the legal age for gambling in some states.

Many gamblers enjoy the social aspect of gambling as they meet with other like-minded individuals. Gambling can be a form of escapism and a source of thrill. It can satisfy other basic human needs, such as the desire for status and specialness, and is a way to relieve boredom. However, most gamblers can manage their gambling addiction through self-control or with the help of professionals in treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Gambling’s impacts are both costs and benefits that occur at three different levels – personal, interpersonal and society/community (see Fig. 1). Personal and interpersonal impacts affect those closest to gamblers, such as family members. Impacts on the societal/community level affect those who are not gamblers but are affected by them, such as increasing debt or loss of ability to work. These impacts are often hidden or overlooked. Benefits on the societal/community level include gambling revenues, tourism and other economic activity, and tax and tribal exclusivity fees.