Gambling is when people risk something of value in a game that has an element of chance such as betting on a football match, buying scratchcards or playing casino games. They hope to win a prize, usually money but sometimes other things such as prizes or goods.
Over half of the population takes part in gambling activities in some way. For many this can be a fun activity that doesn’t cause harm, but for others it can have significant harmful impacts. These can affect health, relationships, work or study, and can lead to serious debt and even homelessness. It can also have a negative impact on children. It is important to recognise the signs of harmful gambling and seek help for yourself or a loved one.
The costs and benefits of gambling are not always easy to quantify. Traditionally research has focused on the economic costs/benefits of gambling, but this can neglect social impacts (costs that are not monetary) and personal/interpersonal impacts (harms that affect individuals and their families). Research using a public health approach – such as estimating changes in quality of life with disability weights – can help identify these impacts.
It is important to understand how people become addicted to gambling, so that we can help those who are suffering from this issue. This will help us to improve treatment and prevent relapse. It will also help to understand the role of government in addressing these issues.
