Gambling is a popular pastime and source of entertainment that involves the risking of money or other items of value in games of chance. When played well, gambling can provide a fun and rewarding social experience for friends and families. However, when an individual develops a compulsive gambling disorder, it can be extremely damaging to both the gambler and their family.
Gamblers may experience an array of symptoms related to their addiction, including a lack of concentration and memory, depression, anxiety, psychosomatic symptom disorder (such as cardiovascular, musculoskeletal or gastrointestinal issues), and relationship problems. Gambling disorder has also been linked to an increased suicide rate, making it the most dangerous type of addictive disorder.
Various perspectives exist concerning the appropriate role of gambling in economic development. Some view it as an individual social pathology, others as a societal menace, and still others as a viable tool for growth, a growing source of governmental revenue, and a specific means of assisting deprived groups. Each of these perspectives possesses some credibility, and the ultimate success of gaming as an instrument for economic development will depend in large measure upon the resolution of the conflicts that often arise between them.
While quantifying the costs associated with gambling is relatively straightforward, little research has focused on identifying and measuring social impacts of gambling that are not readily quantifiable in monetary terms (e.g., health-related quality of life (HRQL) weights and the effects on gamblers and their significant others). Additional research is needed to identify such factors and better quantify the societal burden of gambling harms.