Gambling is an activity in which people place bets on outcomes of events that are determined partly by chance and partly by skill. It can include card games like poker and blackjack, dice games and bingo, sports betting, horse racing, lottery and scratchcards. Gambling can be a source of fun and excitement for many people, but it can also lead to addiction and other problems. Some of these problems can affect mental health, such as anxiety and depression. In addition, gambling can have a negative impact on relationships and work or study performance. In extreme cases, it can result in debt and homelessness.
Most adults and adolescents engage in some form of gambling, and most do so without any problems. However, a small percentage of those who gamble develop gambling disorder, which is a severe form of the condition in which an individual cannot control their impulses to gamble and experiences distressing symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The problem gambling rate is highest among young people, particularly males. People with low incomes are also more susceptible to developing a gambling disorder, because they have more to lose than those with higher incomes.
Many people who gamble enjoy the thrill of winning money and are motivated by a desire to increase their wealth, while others find it relaxing and soothing. Many people also use it as an escape from stress and worries and the need to socialise with friends. However, if a person begins to feel anxious and depressed while gambling or they are putting themselves at financial risk by betting more than they can afford to lose or borrowing money to gamble, it may be time to seek help.
Aside from the obvious monetary benefits, gambling can have positive effects on communities by encouraging tourism and boosting local economies. It can also help develop a variety of skills, including pattern recognition, critical thinking and maths. Moreover, some gambling activities involve teamwork, which can help build social cohesion and trust in a group.
The main external impacts of gambling can be observed at the personal, interpersonal and community/society levels (Fig 1). Personal level impacts are those that affect the gamblers themselves, while inter-personal level impacts concern their close relationships with others, such as family members and friends. The community/society level external impacts are those that affect those who are not necessarily gamblers, for example, the effects of increased debt and financial strain on family members’ lives, and the escalating effects of gambling into bankruptcy and homelessness in the community.
There are a number of ways to prevent problem gambling, including self-help and counselling. It is important to talk about your gambling with someone you trust, such as a family member or friend, and find a hobby to replace it with. Alternatively, you can try cognitive behavioural therapy to explore your beliefs about gambling and how they relate to your behaviour. In addition, you should avoid gambling in high-risk places and avoid drinking alcohol while gambling, as both can impair your decision-making.