Gambling involves risking money or something else of value to predict the outcome of an event involving chance, such as a football match or scratchcard. Its effects occur on personal, interpersonal, and community/society levels. Financial impacts include gambling revenues, tourism, and costs or changes in infrastructure. Labor and health/well-being impacts include work-related issues such as productivity, absenteeism, inability to perform, job gains and losses, and overall health.
Gambling can also have positive economic impacts, particularly on local communities. For example, Oklahoma’s casino industry contributes $10 billion annually to the state’s economy and funds over 70,000 jobs. Moreover, gambling helps stimulate brain activity and creates new neural pathways. However, the benefits of gambling only last as long as you can control your urges to gamble. If you struggle with problem gambling, reach out to a professional for help and learn how to manage your finances without putting yourself or those around you at risk.
Another negative effect of gambling is the damage it can cause to a person’s mental health and wellbeing. Many people find themselves gambling for a variety of reasons: to self-soothe unpleasant emotions, socialize, or escape from reality. However, there are healthier and more effective ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. Furthermore, gambling can send massive surges of dopamine to the brain, which can disrupt thinking and behavior and lead to compulsive behaviors. Moreover, gambling can trigger other mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
