Gambling is an activity that involves putting something of value at risk in an attempt to win another item of value. People gamble for many reasons, including for fun and entertainment, to meet basic needs, and to relieve stress. Adolescents, veterans, aging adults, and Latino and Asian communities are at higher risk of developing gambling addictions than the general population.
In addition to generating revenue, the gambling industry provides employment opportunities for thousands of individuals around the world. This is especially true in the case of casinos, where the majority of employees are locals who work as dealers, odds compilers and other positions in the casino’s operation. These jobs often provide more stable incomes for families than the types of employment available in other sectors, such as retail and agriculture.
For some consumers, gambling provides a form of socialization as they meet others in a casino or other gaming establishment. The media is also effective in portraying gambling as a sexy, glamorous and fashionable pastime. The hope of winning big is often enough to keep some consumers coming back for more, especially when they’re facing financial difficulties or a life crisis.
The negative impacts of gambling are visible at the personal, interpersonal and society/community levels (Fig. 1). At the personal level, a gambler’s debt can impact his or her family members and cause problems with relationships. At the interpersonal level, a gambler’s poor decision-making can lead to other people’s problems, such as unemployment and homelessness.
