Gambling is an activity where people risk money or other material goods on the outcome of an event with some element of chance. This can include playing poker, betting on horse races, rolling dice or spinning a roulette wheel. While gambling may be fun for some, it is not without its risks and can lead to serious harms, including financial stress, relationship breakdown, family violence, mental illness and even suicide. It can also have adverse social, environmental and economic impacts. The causes of gambling-related harm can be complex and intergenerational, with the legacy of problematic gambling extending across the lifespan and affecting the wellbeing of future generations.
The evidence about gambling often focuses on its negative effects, but it is important to consider the positives too. There is evidence that gambling can act as a pressure valve for those who feel overwhelmed by modern life, and it can be used to soothe anxiety and stimulate curiosity. It can also provide structure and a sense of mastery, or offer hope for those who are struggling with difficult life circumstances. It can help to build self-efficacy, boost a sense of control and give people a reason to get out of the house and be social.
It can also create a bubble of calm focus, and take time away from non-stop inner monologues and unhelpful self-criticisms. And it can tap into the deep, human thrill of possibility – that flicker of hope that we are special, that we’ll defy the odds and that fate will smile on us. Whether or not these hopes are irrational, they can be powerful motivators.
In addition, there is evidence that gambling can contribute to community cohesion and a sense of belonging, and it provides a unique blend of isolation and energy. People who spend large amounts of money on gambling can develop close relationships with their fellow gamblers, and they may support each other through tough times, or offer encouragement and advice. It is also possible for people to engage in social activities like bingo and quiz nights that bring them together in face-to-face settings.
Gambling also brings communities together in the form of betting clubs, which are run by voluntary groups and offer a safe space to talk about issues such as substance misuse or gambling. They can also provide a range of services for those with gambling problems, and they can be an invaluable source of support and advice.
Despite the positives, there are significant costs associated with gambling, including loss of money or valuables, damage to property, disruption to families and work, health and well-being issues, crime (including fraud), relationship breakup, family violence and suicide. These costs are largely invisible and hidden, but can have profoundly damaging effects on individual and community health. To minimize gambling-related harm, public health interventions should be targeted at all levels of society, from prevention to intervention and treatment. These should include universal pre-commitment systems that allow people to set binding limits on their spending, and self-exclusion from gambling providers.