Gambling is a speculative activity involving the wagering of something of value with a conscious risk and expectation of gain. It can be done in many ways, including online, at home, or in casinos and racetracks. Some people gamble as a way to socialize with others, while others do it for the thrill of winning or losing. However, for some, gambling can become a problem that interferes with their daily life and leads to financial difficulties, addiction, or even bankruptcy.
In the broadest sense of the word, most people have gambled at some point in their lives. Most of them do so without problems, while a minority develop gambling disorders and need help. A small percentage of those with gambling problems die from their disorder, and the majority need treatment and assistance to recover.
It is important to remember that gambling venues are not charity operations designed to save people down on their luck; they are real businesses that need a certain level of turnover and profit to survive. Therefore, it is recommended to only gamble with money that you are prepared to lose permanently. Never gamble with money you need for other things, such as your rent or bills.
Gambling impacts can be observed at personal, interpersonal and community/society levels (Fig. 1). Personal impacts affect gamblers and those closest to them, such as friends and family members. Interpersonal impacts are related to the effects of non-problematic gambling on a gambler’s leisure time, while community/society-level impacts can be seen as cost (e.g., social care cost).