How Gambling Affects Personal, Family and Financial Life
Gambling involves wagering money or something else of value on an event with a chance of winning something else of value. It can be as simple as scratching a ticket to a lottery or betting on a horse race, football accumulator, or casino games such as poker and blackjack. Gambling can be fun, but it can also lead to problems if not managed properly. Problem gambling can cause a number of negative personal, family and financial issues. The risk of becoming addicted to gambling is higher for some people than others, but it can affect anyone who is overly involved with it.
Many people use gambling to relieve boredom, loneliness, anxiety or depression, as a way to pass time or to socialize with friends. It can also be a distraction from work or family life. Problem gambling can also be linked to mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call 999 or visit A&E immediately. If you are concerned about someone’s gambling, it is important to talk to them and find out more about their habits. There are a range of support services available, including the National Gambling Helpline, which can provide information on local resources.
Some types of gambling are more addictive than others, but no form of gambling is inherently dangerous. It is possible to become addicted to any type of gambling, from online gaming to poker and casino games. The most common type of gambling addiction is pathological gambling, which is characterized by an overwhelming urge to gamble in spite of negative personal, family and financial consequences.
People with a gambling problem are often in denial about their involvement, and may not recognize the seriousness of their situation until they experience a crisis that they cannot solve themselves. They may lie to conceal their gambling activities, and may even spend money that they don’t have. Those who have a problem with gambling are more likely to develop other health problems, such as alcohol and drug abuse, depression and anxiety, and debt.
The economic effects of gambling are both direct and indirect, affecting the local community through increased tax revenues and tourism, as well as wider society through improved health and education. Indirect impacts include job losses and the destruction of natural features, such as wetlands.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, try to help them address it by introducing new activities and by strengthening existing relationships. Encourage them to get peer support and/or treatment, such as gambling addiction help, if necessary. If they have a lot of debt, speak to StepChange for free and confidential debt advice. If they have a credit card or EFTPOS, consider restricting their access to those cards and/or reviewing their bank and credit card statements. It is also worth considering whether they are using other people’s money to gamble and if so, how much of their own they are putting at risk.