Gambling involves risk-taking in which people place bets on the outcome of events, such as a football match or a scratchcard, with the hope of winning money. Although gambling is a popular pastime and can provide enjoyment for most people, a small proportion develop problems with it. These are referred to as ‘problem gamblers’ and can have serious ramifications for their personal life, work and health.
A major impact of gambling is the financial costs, which can be a burden for many families. The losses that gamblers incur often result in debt accumulation and other forms of poverty. This can have a devastating effect on family and community stability, which may lead to financial disaster such as bankruptcy, homelessness, or other consequences that can significantly affect the lives of family members and friends.
The psychological impacts of gambling are also important to consider. It is thought that some people are predisposed to the thrill-seeking behaviours associated with gambling, such as impulsivity and an underactive reward system. Research has shown that genetic differences and brain structures can also influence how these behaviours are triggered, which may explain why some people are more susceptible to developing gambling problems than others.
In addition, there are social costs associated with gambling, which can be difficult to quantify and assess. These include a negative impact on relationships, a loss of control over finances, a feeling of guilt and shame, and a lack of self-worth.
