Gambling is an activity in which one places something of value (usually money) at risk on an event whose outcome is mostly determined by chance, with the hope of making a profit. It has existed in virtually all societies since prerecorded history, and it is often a part of local customs and rites of passage. It is also a form of entertainment and a source of thrill, and can be used to fulfill unmet needs for social affiliation or status. In addition, gambling is an important tool for teaching a variety of skills, such as pattern recognition, critical thinking and math.
Despite the many benefits of gambling, some people can develop an addiction to it. Problematic gambling is a complex phenomenon that, like other addictions, involves a change in the brain’s reward pathway. Normally, when you perform a skill well, your brain rewards the action with a dose of dopamine so that you can repeat the behavior and gain proficiency. Similarly, when you win in gambling, your brain rewards the behavior to encourage you to try again. However, when you begin to gamble for a reason other than entertainment or a way to make a profit, your brain starts to see these actions as a means of satisfying unmet needs and triggers the same dopamine response as drugs of abuse.
When someone begins to gamble for these reasons, they can become addicted and start to lose control of their gambling. This can lead to financial problems, legal issues and health complications. It is important for family members to recognise when a loved one has a gambling problem and know that there are many services available that can help.
Identifying and treating gambling disorders is a growing area of medical practice, although it has not been recognised as an addictive disorder until recently. It is important to recognize the risk factors for gambling disorder, including a history of family problems with substance use and emotional trauma, as well as a lack of self-esteem and/or belonging. In addition, the prevalence of gambling activities in society and the increasing number of people who are seeking treatment for addictions are influencing the development of new strategies for prevention and intervention.
Previous research on gambling has been limited by a number of factors, including the difficulty of quantifying costs and benefits at the individual and societal level. This article reviews complementing and contrasting methodologies to establish a common methodology for assessing the impact of gambling on the society, as defined by Walker and Williams [32]. This includes cost-benefit analysis and the application of health-related quality of life weights to intangible benefits and costs. These are considered the most useful tools for determining the impact of gambling from a public health perspective. Traditionally, gambling impacts have been evaluated primarily in terms of economic costs and benefits, which are relatively easy to quantify. However, this is a significant limitation that underestimates the true extent of the harm caused by gambling.