Gambling is a popular leisure time activity that involves risk-taking with money. It has a wide range of positive and negative consequences, including effects on the gambler and their significant others, the community and society at large. These impacts can be monetary, but also include non-monetary impacts, such as the costs of problem gambling, and the impact of gambling on health and wellbeing. A public health approach to assessing the impacts of gambling is needed.
Whether it’s the thrill of winning or just having fun with friends, people are drawn to gambling because it stimulates the brain and releases dopamine – a feel-good neurotransmitter. While this release of dopamine makes it tempting to continue gambling, it’s important to understand the risks associated with addiction and know how to stop.
It’s estimated that for every person with a gambling problem, there are six people at risk of being affected by their gambling (see the infographic below). Problem gambling can affect anyone – regardless of income, culture, social status or levels of education. It can even be triggered by genetics, medical history and environment.
Governments are responsible for regulating and administering gambling operations. This means that they must invest resources into ensuring that the industry functions properly and maintains social stability. This includes a commitment to fund gambling-related research, treatment and support services. Governments also rely on the taxable revenue generated by gambling to deliver important public services and infrastructure. This is why it’s critical to address any harms associated with gambling and ensure that the industry is regulated in an equitable and transparent way.
