Gambling is a worldwide industry that brings in huge revenue for many countries. It is one of the most popular pastimes around and contributes to the stability of some economies. However, gambling is not without its negative effects on gamblers and society as a whole. There is a growing role for primary care clinicians to assess patients’ gambling behaviors as part of their evaluation for addictions. This article reviews the rationale for viewing pathological gambling as an addiction and discusses the evidence on the relationship between gambling behaviors and health.
A definition of gambling is betting or staking something of value with consciousness of risk and hope of gain, on an uncertain event or game whose outcome may be determined by chance. It is considered an addiction if the gambler’s behavior becomes uncontrollable and takes over their life. It can also cause harm to those close to them.
People are tempted to gamble by the promise of instant gratification. In addition, the compulsion to win and avoid losses can be fueled by a number of psychological factors such as greed, anger, and envy. Moreover, it is often seen as a way to escape from stressful reality and provide an addictive thrill. However, it is important to remember that gambling is not a solution for stress and only leads to more problems in the long run.
The most obvious negative effect of gambling is its financial cost, but there are also social costs and health-related consequences. A recent study conducted in a nursing home found that seniors who gambled had lower levels of satisfaction and happiness with their lives than those who did not gamble. These findings suggest that allowing residents to gamble in long-term care facilities should be carefully evaluated.
Another negative aspect of gambling is its potential to encourage crime, especially illegal activities like money laundering and drug trafficking. It is a common activity among “societal idlers” who could otherwise engage in other illegal or immoral activities. This makes it hard for a person to stop their gambling habit even when they are aware of the risks and the damage it causes.
The Rockefeller Institute concludes that from a fiscal perspective, state-sponsored gambling is beginning to look more like a blue-chip stock—reliably generating large amounts of cash but no longer promising dramatic growth. The institute believes that the softening of gaming growth is due to continuing economic conditions and concerns about the social costs of pathological gambling. While it is encouraging to see that the growth of gambling revenues has slowed, it is important to continue focusing on responsible and sustainable growth. In addition, more emphasis should be placed on the prevention of gambling disorders and on treating those with them. This will require collaboration between the public and private sectors, including governments, casinos, and educational institutions. It will also require cooperation with other industries that are affected by gambling, such as real estate and the entertainment sector.