The Positive and Negative Effects of Gambling

Gambling is an activity where an item of value (money, goods or services) is placed at risk in the hope of gaining something of greater value. Gambling is a common way for people to socialize, relax and pass the time but can become problematic when it’s used excessively. Having trouble controlling your gambling may lead to conflict in relationships, financial strain and feelings of anger, fear or shame. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing a gambling problem, including adolescents, veterans, aging adults and members of Latino and Asian communities.

A positive aspect of gambling is that it provides employment and generates economic activity, primarily in tourism and casino jobs. It also occupies societal idlers who might otherwise engage in criminal activities like drug peddling, robbery and burglary. Gambling also helps improve mental health by requiring individuals to be observant and study numbers, patterns and odds in order to win.

Many studies of gambling are confined to the economic and labor impacts, ignoring more obfuscated and complex social effects. For example, a gambling industry’s revenue and tourism impacts only look at changes in economic wealth but fail to take into account that such changes could erode social cohesion and increase inequality in the community.

If you are struggling with gambling, learn to replace it with healthier ways to relieve unpleasant emotions or boredom. These might include exercising, spending more time with friends who don’t gamble and engaging in other hobbies. It is also possible to get help by joining a support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows the same 12-step model as Alcoholics Anonymous.