The majority of gamblers play responsibly, enjoying the diversion and entertainment that gambling can provide. But for some, it can be a destructive habit that leads to financial stress, relationship breakdown, family violence and mental illness. The costs of such harms are substantial, and can endure throughout an individual’s life and beyond (e.g., in the form of debt). There is a clear need for population-based interventions to prevent gambling-related harm. These should include an end to advertising and promotions that exploit cognitive biases, such as the “gambler’s fallacy”, which leads people to believe they are due for a big win or can recoup their losses. Centralized account registration that requires people to set binding loss limits is a key strategy, as are universal pre-commitment systems and self-exclusion from gambling providers.
In a world where many people feel lonely, casinos and other gambling venues can also serve as social spaces where it is common for players to celebrate each other’s wins, swap tips and look out for one another. It is also possible to engage in a range of other activities, such as bingo and card games, which do not involve the wagering of money or other goods and services.
The most commonly available forms of gambling are state-licensed lotteries, which can be found in most countries worldwide. Other forms of gambling include organised football pools, which are a feature of sports culture in much of Europe and South America; and the wagering on horse races by friends or coworkers in private settings.
