Gambling is a risky activity that involves betting money or something of value on an uncertain event with the hope of gain. It is a form of recreation, and for many people it provides a way to relieve boredom or to socialize with friends. However, if it becomes an addiction, it can be very harmful to one’s health and relationships. People with an impulse-control disorder often engage in risky behaviors because they do not have the ability to control their behavior. They experience an immediate feeling of excitement or emotional arousal before engaging in the behavior, and they have difficulty stopping after they have begun. In addition, they may lie to their family members and therapists to conceal the extent of their gambling involvement. They may also have a hard time staying in a job, going to school, or maintaining a healthy relationship because of their habit.
Most studies on the negative impacts of gambling focus on monetary costs, which are easily quantifiable. They rarely examine nonmonetary impacts, including social costs (e.g., deterioration of relationships), or quality-of-life measures (known as disability weights) that are used to estimate the negative impact on a gambler’s family and community. Using a public health approach, these nonmonetary impacts can be measured and considered along with the positive economic benefits of gambling.
Longitudinal studies can help discover the long-term effects of gambling, but there are several practical and methodological barriers that make them difficult to conduct. These include the large financial commitment required to fund longitudinal studies; problems with research team continuity over a prolonged time period; and sample attrition.