Gambling is a form of entertainment and leisure that requires risk and involves wagering something of value on a chance event. Gambling can be both positive and negative. However, while most people are aware of the negative consequences of gambling, little is known about the positive effects.
Research into the impact of gambling has been conducted at the individual, interpersonal and community/society levels. Several studies have measured the economic, social and health impacts of gambling. The majority of studies have examined the impact of casino gambling in North America. Others have studied the recreational/amusement sector or other forms of gambling, including lottery tickets.
While many of the studies have shown positive effects of gambling, fewer have looked at the negative consequences of gambling. Some of the research literature suggests that college-aged individuals are at a higher risk of problem gambling, and that the prevalence of gambling problems is greater among these individuals.
One of the most important issues in gambling impact analysis is determining how to measure the social impacts of gambling. Many studies have examined how gambling affects the gambler, but have not considered the other members of the society. This is due to the fact that most gambling impacts are nonmonetary, and most of these impacts have been difficult to quantify.
For example, the economic cost of pathological gambling can reach up to $1000 per person in excess lifetime police costs. Studies have also revealed that problem gamblers have higher rates of crime, and casinos have been linked to increased violent crime. These findings have led to the development of diagnostic guidelines for problem gamblers. Problem gamblers may not realize that they are causing their own harm.
Another common method of assessing the health impacts of gambling is the public health approach. This approach aims to assess the effects of gambling on the entire spectrum of severity. The results of such studies can help researchers compare the various health problems associated with gambling. It is also useful in identifying the impacts of different types of gambling.
Another popular approach is the economic cost-benefit analysis. This method assigns value to the intangible harms of gambling and examines the positive and negative aspects of gambling.
The negative effects of gambling can include the physical and mental health of a person, the financial strain of a person, and the impact of a problem gambler on family and friends. Some studies have used the disability weights, a measure of the burden of a health condition on the quality of a person’s life, to evaluate the social costs of gambling.
The benefits of gambling have also been explored. Researchers have found that some gamblers have reported better health than nongamblers. In addition, some studies have suggested that gamblers tend to be more socially integrated than nongamblers. Moreover, there are a number of positive impacts of gambling, such as reduced illegal gambling and increased tourism revenues.
The negative effects of gambling can be categorized into three categories: harm, costs and benefits. Each category can be categorized according to its nature and magnitude.