Gambling involves placing something of value, such as money, on the outcome of a game or contest with awareness of risk and in hope of gain. It ranges from playing card games, such as poker or blackjack, with friends in a private setting for enjoyment and social interaction, to more sophisticated casino gambling for profit. Many people gamble responsibly and enjoy it as an entertainment diversion, while a subset of gamblers develop a disorder that causes significant distress or impairment in their lives.
A common misconception is that gambling is low-risk, high-reward entertainment choice. While it is true that many individuals gamble without a problem, some do develop a serious disorder, and the risks increase with age. Vulnerability is also higher in certain groups, including those with lower incomes, who have more to lose and are less likely to be able to recover their losses; young people, especially men; and those who started gambling as children.
Gambling has both costs and benefits for individual gamblers, their significant others, and the community/society at large. The vast majority of studies to date have largely ignored the social impacts of gambling, choosing instead to focus solely on economic costs or benefits that are easily quantifiable. Taking a more holistic approach could help to improve understanding of the effects of gambling, including its evolving health impacts, and help to guide effective strategies for prevention and treatment.
