The Social Impacts of Gambling
Gambling involves betting something of value (money, property, or possessions) on a random event with the intent of winning something else of value. There are some instances of strategy in gambling, but the main element is consideration and risk. The activity can be very enjoyable, but can also be a source of great stress and loss.
The gambling industry is a global business with revenues of over US$100 billion. It employs a huge number of people, including dealers, odds compilers, marketing and PR staff, etc. Its activities contribute to tax revenues and tourism, and can also have positive impacts on local economies. However, there are also significant negative effects of gambling, such as a rise in crime rates and financial problems. It can also cause harm to family members, relationships, and health. It is particularly dangerous for young people and men, with up to 5% of adults who gamble developing an addictive disorder.
Pathological gambling is defined by a combination of symptoms that can lead to severe mental and social problems, including compulsive gamblers suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts, irritability, impulsivity, and poor concentration. People with pathological gambling tend to have a lower self-esteem and are more likely to commit crimes in order to finance their addiction. This may include forgery, fraud, robbery, theft, and embezzlement. In addition, they often lie to family members and therapists in an attempt to conceal the extent of their gambling involvement. It is also common for them to jeopardize a job, educational opportunity, or relationship because of their gambling habits.
People gamble for many reasons, such as to escape from the stresses of everyday life, to try to win back a previous loss, or for fun and excitement. People who gamble often have other addictions, such as drugs and alcohol. Some people find comfort in seeking help from gambling support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The long-term consequences of problem gambling can be profound and have a ripple effect, impacting the lives of not only the individual but also their families, friends, and work colleagues. The effects can persist even after the person has stopped gambling and can last for generations.
Unlike economic impacts, which are quantifiable, the social impacts of gambling have not been widely investigated. This is because social impacts are non-monetary by nature and can be difficult to quantify. This article proposes a model based on the work of Walker and Williams, whereby impacts can be classified as personal, interpersonal or society/community. The model is illustrated in Figure 1.