Gambling involves placing something of value, typically money, on an event with an element of chance in which the outcome is uncertain. This can include betting on sports events, casino games, cards, instant scratch tickets, races, animal tracks, dice and other activities that offer the opportunity to win a prize. While gambling can be fun, it can also cause significant harm. In addition to the financial costs, people who gamble often experience negative social and psychological consequences. It is important to recognize the signs of problem gambling and seek help if you have them, as untreated problem gambling can lead to a wide range of problems including:

Gamblers are often driven by the desire for rewards. When a person does something that makes them feel good, such as spending time with loved ones or eating a delicious meal, their brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which makes them feel pleasure. This feeling is why many people enjoy the adrenaline rush of winning a jackpot, which can make them feel on top of the world. However, there are healthier ways to get these feelings, such as exercising, socializing with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques.

While it’s true that there are risks associated with gambling, the benefits can outweigh them. For example, if you win a large sum of money, it can change your life for the better, and you may be able to invest it in a business or pay off debts. But gambling can also have serious effects on your mental health, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse. In fact, studies have found a link between gambling and suicide.

It is also worth noting that gambling is a highly addictive activity. This is because it triggers a reward center in the brain, similar to how cocaine and heroin do. People who suffer from mood disorders such as depression, stress and anxiety are more likely to have a gambling addiction because their symptoms can be exacerbated by the behavior. The long-term effects of problem gambling can have a profound impact on an individual’s life and can even affect their family members, children and grandchildren.

Research on gambling has traditionally focused on monetary aspects of the activity, such as the costs and benefits to individuals and society. However, studies have largely ignored the social and psychological impacts of gambling. This approach can result in an incomplete picture of the impact of gambling and is a major limitation in our understanding of its implications.

In order to fully understand the impact of gambling, researchers need to look at it from all angles. The impact of gambling can be observed at personal, interpersonal and societal/community levels (Fig 1). Personal level impacts induce effects on gamblers themselves. Interpersonal level impacts involve those close to the gambler such as friends and family, while societal/community level external impacts concern those who are not directly involved in the gambler’s behaviour. These external impacts can include general costs, costs related to problem gambling and long-term cost.