Gambling is a leisure activity that involves wagering something of value on an event with the intention of winning another item of value, where chance plays a significant role. This activity can be a form of entertainment and provide an adrenaline rush, but it can also lead to addiction and financial ruin. This article will discuss the effects of gambling, including the positive and negative impacts on the gambler, his/her significant others, and society.
Some people use gambling as a way to relieve unpleasant feelings, unwind, and socialize with friends. However, there are healthier and more effective ways to deal with these feelings. These include exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, and practicing relaxation techniques. Those who struggle with gambling problems may benefit from a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12-step recovery program alcoholics anonymous.
Several studies have examined the economic impacts of gambling and found that it can have negative consequences for local businesses. For example, casino expansions can lead to decreased business revenue for restaurant and hotel owners and increase rents and shop prices [71]. In addition, the introduction of casinos can lead to reduced employment opportunities in the recreational/amusement and retail sectors, as well as a decrease in overall income for small ventures. Moreover, gambling can contribute to increased property prices and a loss of community spirit in a specific neighborhood.
The main challenge to estimating the social costs of gambling is that they are often invisible and intangible. They cannot be easily monetized and therefore have been overlooked in calculations of gambling impacts. Moreover, most social impacts are derived from personal and interpersonal relationships, which makes them difficult to quantify. The focus of most gambling impact research has been on monetary costs and benefits, which are easy to measure.
There is a need for a common methodology to assess the social impacts of gambling. This article aims to propose such a model, which is based on the theory that costs and benefits can be categorized as personal/interpersonal, societal, and environmental. The personal/interpersonal category includes a number of invisible costs that are difficult to quantify, as well as the external costs that are general, problem-gambling related, and long term. The societal/community level includes both monetary and non-monetary benefits and costs, as well as changes in quality of life and health and wellbeing. The environmental category encompasses ecological, cultural, and social costs and benefits.
