Gambling involves wagering something of value on a random event with the intention of winning a prize. It is considered to be a form of entertainment and can be very addictive. However, there are ways to control gambling addiction. For instance, you can seek hypnotherapy for help or find other recreational activities to take up. You can also try to reduce financial risk factors like carrying large amounts of money or relying on credit cards. Moreover, you can also work on addressing any underlying mood disorders that may be contributing to your problem.
Besides the obvious benefits of gambling, it is also believed to improve socialization and relaxation among individuals. People often get together with friends and family for gambling activities at casinos that are usually a few hours’ drive away. In addition, some of these institutions also organize trips for gamblers.
In addition, some societal idlers find employment in the gambling industry and hence reduce criminal activities like thefts, robberies etc. In some cases, this has been credited for the decline in crime rates in certain areas.
It is important to note that despite the fact that gambling can have various positive effects, it can also have negative impacts on a personal, interpersonal and community/society level (Fig. 1). The former impact influences the gamblers themselves while the latter affect those closest to them: family members, work colleagues and peers. The escalating debt and financial strain resulting from gambling can also lead to bankruptcy and homelessness.
