The Benefits and Costs of Gambling
Gambling is an activity in which people wager something of value (usually money) on an uncertain event with the aim of winning something else of value. In some cases, strategy is involved. A person may gamble for a variety of reasons, including socialising or as a way to alleviate stress and worries. Compulsive gambling can cause serious problems and lead to financial difficulties, depression or suicide. If you are concerned that your gambling is getting out of control, seek help. Many organisations offer support, advice and treatment for gambling-related issues.
Some people are motivated to gamble because they enjoy the adrenaline rush or the chance of winning big. They may also have family or friends who enjoy gambling, and so feel pressured to participate. People who become addicted to gambling often have trouble identifying the signs of addiction, and may hide their spending or lie to their loved ones. They may even resort to illegal activities to fund their habit, leading to debt, criminality, and strained relationships.
It can be difficult to quantify the benefits and costs of gambling, but some studies have attempted to do so using a three-tiered model. These include financial impacts, labour and health impacts, and community/society level impacts. This model is useful because it allows researchers to identify impacts that are measurable in terms of monetary values, but have been neglected by most studies, such as changes in quality of life and well-being. The model may also be applied to other types of activities.
