Gambling involves placing something of value, usually money, on the outcome of a random event with the aim of winning a prize. It can take many forms, including casino games such as roulette, blackjack and slots, sports betting, lotteries, horse racing and more. People gamble for a variety of reasons, including entertainment and the thrill of winning. However, gambling can have serious repercussions. People with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, are especially vulnerable to problem gambling, as they may be less likely to recognise a problem when it arises or be able to stop the behaviour. People who are predisposed to risk-taking and impulsivity due to their biological makeup may also be more inclined to gamble.
The impact of gambling can be measured in terms of costs and benefits, which manifest on personal, interpersonal and community/society levels. Costs can be financial or non-financial and may include the impact on employment, productivity, health and well-being and family/society relations. Benefits can be in the form of revenue, tourism and changes to infrastructure.
The challenge for studies of gambling is the identification and quantification of social impacts, as they are often invisible. Research to date has focused on the monetary aspects of gambling and ignores the wider costs and benefits. In order to measure these costs and benefits, a methodology needs to be developed that includes a definition of social impact (Williams et al., 2013) and an economic cost-benefit analysis that uses a public health perspective.