The Positive and Negative Impacts of Gambling

Gambling is a form of risk taking activity where people stake money or other assets on an event with uncertain outcome. This could include betting on a football team to win, buying a scratchcard or playing a casino game. It is important to know that gambling is not always safe and can lead to financial, health, relationship and work problems. Problem gamblers often suffer from depression, stress and addiction. They may be at higher risk of suicide and are often in debt and sometimes even homeless. Their children and family can be severely impacted too.

The positives of gambling are that it provides pleasure and can be an additional leisure activity for many. The hope of winning a prize can also boost self-esteem and help with emotional well-being, particularly among older adults. In addition, it was found that recreational gamblers tend to have a better physical and mental functioning than those who don’t.

Negative impacts from gambling can be structuralized using a conceptual model where impacts are categorized into costs and benefits. Costs and benefits can be grouped into three classes: financial, labor and health and well-being. These classes manifest at the personal, interpersonal and societal/community levels (Fig. 1).

The negatives of gambling can affect a person’s physical and emotional health, relationships, performance at work or study, and can contribute to a decline in health-related quality of life (HRQL). They can include being unable to control or cut back on gambling; lying to family members, therapists or employers to conceal involvement with gambling; making repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling; and jeopardizing significant relationships, jobs, educational or career opportunities due to gambling.