Gambling involves risking something of value (like money) on an event with some chance of winning a prize. Some examples of gambling include betting on a horse race, playing the lottery, or trying your luck at a casino game. The majority of people who gamble do so responsibly and for enjoyment, but some may develop a serious problem. Pathological gambling is a mental disorder that can have significant negative effects on health and well-being. Understanding what makes some people vulnerable to developing a problem can help with prevention and treatment.
The benefits of gambling can be seen at three levels: personal, interpersonal and societal/community. Individual level impacts are invisible to the gambler, while external and societal/community levels influence other people and do not affect the gambler directly (see Figure 1). These can include costs or benefits that are monetary or non-monetary. Examples of non-monetary impacts include socializing, skill development and relaxation.
While most gamblers don’t develop a problem, for those who do the impact can be severe and even life-threatening. Depending on the person, gambling can lead to addiction, family problems, financial crises, poor performance at work or school, and even suicide. In addition, people with a gambling problem can become involved in legal disputes and even become homeless.
Many of these problems can be prevented or reduced by educating the public about responsible gambling and encouraging people to seek treatment if they have a problem. In some communities, gambling is considered a common pastime, and it can be hard for someone to recognize they have a problem.