Several studies have been conducted to quantify the economic and social impacts of gambling. These studies are important to public policy makers because they can help them determine which gambling policies are likely to increase the benefits and minimize the costs.

Gambling is an activity where people wager something of value on a random event, such as a game of chance. The goal is to win something of value, such as a prize. There are two types of gambling: chance-based gambling, such as bingo or dog races, and the lottery. Chance-based gambling is a form of gambling where all players have an equal chance of winning.

Pathological gambling has been associated with violent behavior, including intimate partner violence (IPV) and homicide in the family. It also increased the odds of dating violence, severe marital violence, and child abuse. In addition, the gambling industry spurred the growth of criminal organizations. Gambling revenues can be used to support beneficial causes, including charities and public services. However, it is not advisable to consider gambling as a way to make money.

A recent study from Finland indicated that 8% of the population experienced financial harms related to gambling. These costs include general external costs, such as relationship problems, and long-term costs, such as decreased productivity and performance at work. It is important to note that most of these costs remain hidden. However, they can become visible at the community/society level, particularly when family members of gamblers seek help.

In order to quantify the effects of gambling, researchers have used a public health approach. These studies use health-related quality of life weights to measure the impacts of gambling on an individual’s physical health and quality of life. They also consider the costs of gambling to the individual’s social networks, which are often affected by gambling.

These costs can be divided into three categories: financial, labor, and interpersonal. The financial impact of gambling is often categorized as the difference between what gamblers pay for gambling and what they would pay for a product. Other costs may be less obvious, such as the emotional stress and relationship problems gamblers may experience.

Labor impacts include lost productivity, impaired working relationships, absenteeism, reduced performance at work, and the termination of employment. Gambling is also a risk factor for homelessness, as well as a contributor to bankruptcy. Among problem gamblers, more than three-fourths report that gambling caused them to lose money, including gambling-related financial problems.

Interpersonal impacts of gambling include family members who experience physical, emotional, and psychological harm due to the gambler’s behavior. Other types of interpersonal harm include theft and petty lending. Many people who experience problem gambling also suffer from social anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

The positive impacts of gambling have been less studied. Although these studies have measured the economic and employment impacts of gambling, few have looked at the positive impacts of gambling on the gambler himself. Some studies have attempted to quantify the positive impact of gambling by the consumer surplus, or the difference between what people pay for a service and what they receive.