Gambling is a wagering of something of value (like money) on a random outcome that is either uncertain or fixed with the intent to win something else of value. The activity can take many forms, from lotteries to sports betting to casino games like blackjack and roulette. It is legal in some countries and illegal in others. Most people gamble without experiencing problems, but some people develop gambling disorders, characterized by persistent or recurrent problematic gambling that results in impairment or distress.
Some studies of gambling use economic models to estimate its costs and benefits, but this approach overlooks the social impacts of gambling that are non-monetary by nature. These impacts occur on the personal, interpersonal and community/society level. In the latter two, they can have long-term consequences that affect generations to come.
The social and health and well-being impacts of gambling are complex and difficult to measure. In a society that has become increasingly digitized, gambling is often used as an electronic substitute for social interaction and other activities that involve face-to-face interactions. This has led to a significant decrease in the social capital of communities, which can have negative effects on the mental health and well-being of those who do not have access to social activities outside of gambling venues.
While most people who gamble do so responsibly, some experience a problem and end up incurring large debts, making it impossible to meet their daily financial obligations or to support their families. This subset of gamblers is especially vulnerable to developing a gambling disorder, described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a persistent, recurrent pattern of uncontrolled gambling that causes substantial distress or impairment.
People have different motivations for gambling, which range from the desire to make money to a desire for excitement or a sense of adventure. Research has shown that gambling stimulates the brain by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes people feel happy. This feeling can be addictive, so people who do not have a coping mechanism in place can easily develop a gambling disorder.
Many gamblers also report that the act of putting a bet on their favourite team or horse makes them feel part of a larger group, increasing their sense of happiness and belonging. While this feeling can be positive, it is important to keep in mind that a small percentage of people who gamble develop gambling disorders, and that these disorders can have serious, life-altering consequences.
In order to understand the true impact of gambling on society, it is necessary to examine both the costs and the benefits in a holistic way. This article proposes a model that distinguishes between personal, interpersonal and community/societal impacts of gambling and offers a framework for addressing these different dimensions in future research. The article also discusses complementary and contrasting methodologies to calculate these impacts. It suggests that the best approach is to apply a societal weighting, similar to the methodology used in alcohol and drug research.