Gambling involves placing something of value on a random event with the aim of winning something else of value. It can be done in many ways, from betting on a horse race to playing poker. It is an integral part of society and has a long history. Some people find it easy to control their gambling and are not addicted, but a significant number develop problems and may have a gambling disorder. This disorder is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) as a persistent and recurrent pattern of problem gambling behavior that causes serious distress or impairment. It is also known as pathological gambling.
Most gambling research has focused on the negative effects of gambling, especially losses to gamblers and their families. However, there are also positive aspects of gambling, which are difficult to quantify. This article reviews complementing and contrasting methodologies to produce a conceptual model for analyzing gambling impacts from a public health perspective.
While the benefits of gambling are often difficult to assess, a large majority of studies have used monetary valuations to measure costs and benefits. This approach presents a biased view of the situation because it only considers those aspects of gambling that are easily quantifiable.
To get a more complete picture of the impact of gambling, it is important to include social costs and benefits as well. These are those that cannot be easily monetized, such as the loss of family ties caused by problem gambling. In addition, societal real wealth is affected by the economic costs associated with gambling and should be taken into account when measuring benefits and costs.
Some of these social costs can be measured using a methodology called cost-benefit analysis. This methodology is similar to that used in alcohol and drug research, but uses quality of life weights to assess the intangible costs and benefits of an activity. In addition, it takes into consideration the indirect or hidden costs of a behavior, such as stress on loved ones.
Another way to look at the impact of gambling is to use a framework that identifies classes of negative and positive impacts. This framework divides impacts into three classes: financial, labor and health, and well-being. These classes manifest on personal, interpersonal, and societal/community levels. Financial impacts include changes in gambling revenues, tourism and other industries, and infrastructure cost or value change. Labor and health impacts involve effects on gamblers’ jobs and can be reflected in lost productivity, absenteeism, and decreased performance or quality of work. Well-being impacts affect gamblers’ physical, emotional, and social well-being.
Despite the fact that gambling is widely accepted as a legitimate form of entertainment and even contributes to the economy in some countries, it does come with some downsides. Some people become vulnerable to developing a gambling disorder, and it is important for healthcare professionals to understand this risk. Those who are at risk should be encouraged to participate in alternative forms of recreation and avoid gambling. Those who have a disorder should be screened and treated, but it is important to remember that recovery from this type of addiction can take time.