How Gambling Affects Your Life

Gambling is a popular pastime for people who enjoy socialising and the thrill of winning money. But for some it becomes an addiction and can have a negative impact on their life, including their mental health. It’s important to know the signs of gambling problems and where to find help. If you have concerns about your own gambling, or know someone who does, get in touch with StepChange for free debt advice. There is a strong link between gambling and suicide, so it’s important to seek help if you are worried. There is also a risk of gambling problems leading to financial crisis which can cause stress and anxiety, so it’s a good idea to have a budget and stick to it.

Many people have a natural propensity for gambling and some are more susceptible to developing a problem than others. Young people and men are particularly at risk, especially those with low incomes who may have more to gain from a big win, but anyone can develop a problem. People with underlying mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are also at increased risk of gambling problems and may be more likely to gamble in response to a depressive episode or a craving for a quick fix.

The benefits and costs of gambling can be seen on personal, interpersonal and societal/community/government levels (Fig 1). Personal and interpersonal level effects affect the gamblers themselves and their immediate families. They include invisible individual costs such as stress and depression, as well as visible external costs like family conflicts, strained relationships and debt. On the other hand, community/societal/government level impacts involve those who are not gamblers. These can include gambling revenues, tourism and effects on other businesses or the cost of infrastructure.

Gambling is a global activity and contributes a significant percentage to the GDP of countries all over the world. This is largely due to the fact that it employs a large number of people worldwide. However, it also has negative impacts on society and the economy.

While gambling is often associated with crime, it can also reduce criminal activities such as robberies, burglaries etc. Moreover, it occupies those who are otherwise idle in society and can be an alternative to other criminal activities like drug abuse and prostitution.

The positive aspects of gambling are socializing, mental development and skill improvement. Gambling can also be beneficial for a person’s physical and mental health, but it is important to remember that it must be done in moderation. It is important to remove temptation by locking away credit cards, putting someone in charge of your money, closing online betting accounts and avoiding gambling establishments. Moreover, it is a good idea to speak to your GP or NHS support service for help if you feel that your gambling is out of control.