Gambling is any form of risking something of value (such as money or property) on an event that is determined mostly by chance, for the purpose of winning a prize. While the activity may seem like fun and exciting, it can have serious consequences on a person’s health and well-being.
A variety of research methods have been used to analyze gambling impacts, including cost-benefit analysis. However, the use of monetary values to weigh benefits and harms can misrepresent the true impact of gambling on a person’s life. To address this limitation, this article uses a conceptual model and compares complementing methodologies to assess the impact of gambling from a public health perspective. In addition, it defines the concept of social impacts, based on Williams et al., which includes invisible individual costs that are not easily quantified, societal level externalities and costs of problem gambling.
Many people enjoy gambling because it can be a way to socialize with friends and family. Additionally, the practice teaches valuable skills, such as pattern recognition and critical thinking. Games like blackjack and poker also teach teamwork, as players learn to adopt tactics and read the body language of other gamblers.
If you have a gambling addiction, it’s important to talk about your concerns with a mental health professional. They can help you gain objectivity, and provide a safe place to vent your feelings. In addition, they can help you set financial and personal goals to reduce your gambling. Lastly, they can provide referral resources for local gambling counselors or intensive treatment programs.