Gambling is the wagering of something of value on a random event with the intent of winning something else of value. It involves three elements: consideration, risk and a prize. Gambling can take many forms, from social activities like playing card or board games for small amounts of money with friends, to sports betting pools and buying lottery tickets. Some people make a living solely through gambling, known as professional gamblers.
Some people are tempted to gamble for financial reasons, thinking that they can win big and change their lives. For others, it is just a way to pass the time and get a rush or “high”. Gambling also provides an escape from reality. It can reduce stress in the short term, but it increases the chances of debt and other problems in the long run.
Despite its popularity, gambling can have many negative effects on society. While most studies focus on the financial impact of gambling, other important impacts have been neglected. It is crucial to always gamble responsibly and within your means. It is also important to maintain a strong support network and consider joining a peer support program such as Gamblers Anonymous.
The impacts of gambling can be structured into personal, interpersonal and community/society levels (Fig. 1). The personal and interpersonal levels are mainly influenced by the gamblers themselves, while the societal/community level affects those who are not necessarily involved in gambling. While research has analyzed the costs of gambling, it is not easy to measure these impacts because they are non-monetary.