Gambling is an activity in which people risk something of value on an event that is primarily determined by chance for the opportunity to gain a profit. It has been a part of human society since prerecorded history and is incorporated into many cultures’ rites of passage. However, it has also been associated with criminality and has caused negative economic, social, and personal consequences for some people.
Most gamblers participate in gambling for enjoyment and as a form of relaxation. However, a small number become too involved with gambling and experience adverse social, family, and financial consequences as a result. Those with the greatest vulnerability are people who are attracted to winning money, especially those who have low incomes and have much more to lose. Young people and men are more susceptible to developing a gambling disorder than women.
A major cost of gambling is the burden imposed on governments for regulation, administration procedures, and other costs related to gambling [46]. In addition, problem gamblers have higher crime rates that incur police costs and prison expenditures – all of which are costly to the community.
At the individual level, a person’s motivation to gamble is influenced by social interactions at gambling venues and their perception of the enjoyment that can be obtained from participating in gambling activities. However, these impacts are usually invisible and have not been included in monetary calculations. This is partly because research scientists, psychiatrists, other treatment care clinicians, and public policy makers tend to frame questions about gambling differently, based on their disciplinary training, world view, and special interests.