Gambling is a fun and exciting activity that brings together people to socialize, play games, and relax. But, the negative effect comes when gambling becomes an addiction. People should be aware of the risks associated with gambling and take measures to avoid it.
While most people gamble to win money, a small group of individuals develop problems. They become addicted to gambling and experience a range of negative personal, family, work and financial effects. Problem gambling is also linked to mental health issues and can cause harm to others, including children. It can be difficult to recognise when gambling has a negative impact and many people try to minimize it or deny that they have a problem. This is particularly common in cultures where gambling is a traditional pastime and it may be hard to challenge shared beliefs about the nature of gambling.
Several studies have reported gambling impacts, including the negative effects on gamblers and their significant others. These impacts can be classified into three classes – costs and benefits – and they are manifested at different levels: individual, interpersonal and community/societal levels. Most studies focus on quantifying the economic costs of gambling, which are relatively easy to assess. However, few studies have considered the social impacts of gambling.
Some of the negative social impacts of gambling include loss of job, increased debt and depression. Other negative social impacts include isolation and poor health. The risk of developing a gambling disorder is higher among men than women, and it can occur at any age.