Gambling is a social activity involving the risking of money, or something of value such as time or energy, to try and predict an uncertain outcome based on chance. Gambling has become an enjoyable pastime among millions worldwide and can be found both at social events as well as individual settings like casinos or home-based games. Gambling addiction should always be taken seriously if found to be the issue and support should always be sought in this case.
Most people gamble for fun and entertainment; however, some individuals become too involved in terms of time invested and money gambled; this can have serious detrimental repercussions for themselves, their families, finances and society as a whole. Gambling addiction can be difficult to detect; factors that trigger it include depression or anxiety disorders as well as cultural values or peer pressure that contributes to increased gambling participation.
Owing to its wide availability, research into gambling impacts has predominantly concentrated on its financial impacts. Economic literature in particular has prioritized revenue assessments from gambling revenues as an indicator of economic and public services benefits, while neglecting any personal, interpersonal or community/society level impacts that do not involve money. This narrow focus of analysis is at odds with WHO Model objectives.
Studies on the positive impacts of gambling have produced mixed results, although some evidence points towards its positive contributions to communities and societies. Some research indicates that gambling can boost economic activity of local businesses while others show this is offset by its operating costs. Furthermore, evidence shows gambling may promote feelings of belongingness and increased security within communities.
At the same time, however, evidence has accumulated demonstrating how gambling can have both positive and negative repercussions for society, environment and health. This is likely due to many gambling activities – like lottery tickets and sports betting – being highly addictive and having devastating repercussions for individuals, families and wider communities alike.
Concerns have also been expressed that gambling may contribute to an environment of denial when promoted by media and used as entertainment. Furthermore, there are religious groups who consider gambling a sinful act.
If you or someone close to you has an addiction problem with gambling, treatment should be sought immediately. Step one should be strengthening support networks; step two can include joining peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous which follows the Alcoholics Anonymous model. In addition, address any mood disorders that might be contributing to the issue as well as seek professional medical advice; finally the WHO model suggests employing multiple approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, family interventions and psychosocial support for both gamblers and significant others in treatment.