Whether you’re in a twinkly casino or playing bingo, gambling involves risking something of value (usually money) on an event that is determined at least partly by chance. The hope is that you’ll ‘win,’ and get something else of value in return – for example, a prize or a jackpot.
Gambling is an activity with both positive and negative consequences. The negative consequences can include financial problems, family conflict, social isolation and the loss of a sense of control. It can also cause harm to physical and mental health, damage relationships, affect performance at work or school and get people into trouble with the law. It can also be difficult to recognise if you have a problem, as many gamblers lie about their gambling to hide the issue and continue to gamble even when it is damaging their lives.
The positive effects of gambling are often difficult to measure, as they are largely non-monetary and can vary between individuals and over time. Some studies have attempted to quantify positive effects using health-related quality of life weights, or DWs, which are used in disability assessments. Others have focused on identifying the social costs of gambling. These have been assessed at personal, interpersonal and community/society levels – for example, a gambler’s increased debt or financial strain can impact their family members; while the cost to the community of pathological gambling includes police costs and imprisonment. These social impacts are rarely considered in calculation of total gambling costs.