The Positive Impacts of Gambling

Gambling is a popular activity that involves risking something of value, such as money, on an event that depends on chance. It can be a fun and entertaining form of entertainment for many people, as well as a source of income for some communities. However, for others gambling can be dangerous and harmful. The negative impacts of gambling can be severe and often include financial problems, mental health issues and family tensions. Quitting gambling can be hard, but it can also offer huge benefits, from financial recovery to improved relationships and new opportunities for personal growth.

Depending on the type of gamble, the value of the stake can be anything from money to items such as tickets or collectible game pieces (such as marbles and pogs). The risk of losing money is a major factor in the choice of gambling activities. However, the joy of winning and the thrill of anticipation are major positives for most gamblers.

Most studies of gambling have focused on the negative impacts, such as losses to gamblers and their significant others. Consequently, research on the positive effects of gambling is scarce.

To investigate the current state of knowledge about the positive impacts of gambling, a literature review was conducted. The Medline database was searched using the MeSH term ‘gambling’, and articles published between 1966 and 2001 were examined. The review identified 23 articles, including 14 qualitative and five quantitative studies. The authors conclude that the evidence suggests that gambling can have both negative and positive social, environmental and economic impacts, but that these are often overlooked in favour of studies of its costs and benefits to individuals.