The Social Impact of Gambling
Gambling involves betting something of value on an event whose outcome is uncertain. The stake can be money, goods or services. People can gamble by using a random number generator, playing games such as roulette and bingo or engaging in other activities such as lotteries. The term ‘gambling’ also applies to more formal arrangements between two or more parties, such as a sports team and its manager or an investment fund and its managers.
Supporters of gambling argue that it can generate revenue for government coffers and boost local economies. They also argue that the tax money generated by casinos, racetracks and other forms of gambling will be used for public benefits and can create jobs in areas that are otherwise depressed. In contrast, critics of gambling point out that it can also be addictive and contribute to mental health issues such as depression, substance abuse and suicide.
Studies have typically focused on the costs and benefits of gambling from a narrow economic perspective, ignoring social impacts. These social impacts influence people at the individual, interpersonal and community/societal levels. Generally, they involve those who are not gamblers themselves, such as family members and employers. They can include behavioural changes and psychological distress, as well as the effects of debt and loss of financial control resulting from problem gambling.
Some social impact research has attempted to incorporate a broader definition of cost and benefit. For example, Williams et al. argue that social costs and benefits should be considered at all levels of society and should include both monetary and non-monetary effects. This approach, they suggest, is more appropriate to the study of gambling than a narrow economic cost-benefit analysis that considers only monetary changes in wealth.
When people are addicted to gambling, they often find it difficult to stop. They may feel the urge to gamble when they are depressed, bored or even upset. The lure of winning big, or the thought that they might get back their losses, can also make them keep gambling even after they’ve lost everything. This is known as chasing your losses and it’s an important warning sign that you need to stop.
Gambling can be an enjoyable activity if you don’t have a problem with it, but if you do, there are steps you can take to help you overcome your addiction. One way is to start by deciding how much you can comfortably afford to lose and stick to it. Don’t get distracted by free cocktails or other perks at the casino and don’t think that you are due a lucky streak. You should also try to stay away from online gambling sites that offer reload bonuses or other incentives. Lastly, it’s vital to have a strong support network and seek professional help if necessary. You can also try joining a support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is a 12-step program modeled on Alcoholics Anonymous.