Problem Gambling
The activity of gambling involves placing a wager or stake on an event with an element of chance. It can take many forms, including casino games such as blackjack and roulette, sports betting (e.g. horse and greyhound racing, football accumulators and political elections) and lottery tickets. Online and mobile gaming also offer a wide range of gambling options. Although most people gamble responsibly, a small proportion of individuals develop problems that can have significant and negative personal, family, social and financial consequences. Problem gambling is more common in men than in women and can occur at any age. Children as young as seven can struggle with video and mobile games that require micro-transactions and payments, while teenagers are especially vulnerable because their brains have not fully matured.
People who become addicted to gambling can lose more than just money; they may spend their savings, personal belongings and even their own home in a desperate attempt to win back their losses. They can also experience emotional distress, depression and suicide attempts. There is a range of psychological and medical treatments for gambling addiction, and it is important to seek help if you suspect you have a problem.
Many people who are prone to gambling problems are in denial about the extent of their problem. They will lie to friends and family about how much they gamble, or try to hide evidence of their gambling activities. They will often convince themselves that their behaviour is not a problem and that they will win back the money they have lost. They will often have poor self-esteem and a low sense of control, which makes them vulnerable to the influence of others.
Those who have a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety can be particularly vulnerable to developing a gambling habit. They may use gambling as a way to escape from the reality of their situation, or they may be attracted to it because it offers them an opportunity for social interaction. In addition, some people are impulsive and have a poor understanding of random events, which can make them more susceptible to gambling-related problems.
Gambling is a multi-billion dollar industry around the world. It contributes a large percentage of the GDP of countries where it is legal and provides employment for a vast number of people. However, the negative social and economic impacts of gambling are not always considered when policy decisions are made. Traditionally, studies have focused on measuring only the economic costs and benefits of gambling using health-related quality of life weights, known as disability weights [32].
Research has shown that there are many social, emotional and physical impacts of gambling, both positive and negative. These impacts can be assessed at the personal, interpersonal and society/community levels. These are impacts that affect not only the gambler but also their family members, other people who work in the gambling industry and the wider community. This article will review these impacts from a public health perspective, and examine how they can be measured.
