Gambling involves placing something of value on a random event with the intention of winning. It varies from lottery tickets bought by people who have little to no money, to sophisticated casino gambling. It may be illegal or legal, and can involve a large amount of money. There are many different reasons why people gamble, including entertainment, a way to make money, a form of escapism and the thrill of winning. However, there are also negative effects of gambling that can have a significant impact on individuals and society as a whole.
The term “gambling addiction” is used to describe a person who is obsessed with gambling. It is a disorder that affects an individual’s ability to control their impulses, as well as their motivation and emotions. It is a very serious problem that can lead to family breakdown, homelessness and even suicide. However, there are a number of treatment options available to help people overcome gambling addiction.
In the past, the psychiatric community viewed pathological gambling as more of a compulsion than an addiction, a behavior that was primarily motivated by the need to relieve anxiety rather than a craving for intense pleasure. However, in 2013, the APA moved pathological gambling from the impulse-control disorders section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) to the substance-related and addictive disorders section. This shift is seen as a milestone that recognises the importance of treating gambling as an addiction.
A lot of research on gambling has focused on the economic costs and benefits. This is because these are easily quantifiable, but there are other important aspects of gambling that have been overlooked. These are the social impacts, which have a much wider scope and may include emotional costs to gamblers and their families.
One example of a social cost is the loss of time spent on gambling, which can have a negative effect on relationships and personal health. Another is the increase in debt, which can have a negative impact on people’s finances and quality of life. These can be exacerbated by other problems, such as depression, which can lead to compulsive gambling.
Another social impact of gambling is the negative effect on local businesses. This is because the introduction of gambling can lead to higher prices and labour costs, which can cause financial stress for smaller businesses. This can have a knock-on effect, with fewer jobs available and reduced income for local residents. If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of gambling, we have a range of Safeguarding Courses that you can take, from Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults to Mental Health Awareness.