Gambling involves placing something of value on an event that is unpredictable with the intent of winning something else of value. Examples of gambling activities include lottery, horse racing, slot machines, and card games. While gambling can be a fun and entertaining activity for some people, it is also harmful to others. In some cases, it can ruin family relationships, hurt the financial well-being of individuals and families, cause debt and even homelessness. Moreover, it can impact the quality of life of the gambler by causing depression and stress. Moreover, gambling can also negatively affect the health of employees and employers and may increase workplace accidents and employee turnover.
Social impacts are nonmonetary in nature and can be difficult to measure, which makes them more difficult to incorporate into calculations than costs. They are often attributed to pathological and problem gambling. They are estimated as a cost at the individual, interpersonal and society/community levels. They can have a long-term effect and change an individual’s lifestyle and even influence the next generation of gamblers.
If someone in your household has a gambling addiction, it is important to strengthen their support network. Encourage them to find healthier ways of relieving unpleasant feelings and boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, reading a book, or participating in hobbies or sports. You can also help them set boundaries in managing money by taking away credit cards, putting someone else in charge of the bills, and closing online betting accounts. Additionally, you can join a gambling recovery program such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous and provides peer support and guidance.