Despite the many benefits of gambling, the cost of this activity is rarely studied. Most studies of gambling have focused on the economic benefits of gambling and the costs to society. The social costs of gambling are not often considered, but Walker and Barnett have proposed a definition for the social costs of gambling. Social costs are those that do not benefit the individual who is gambling, but are instead attributed to the society as a whole. They are particularly important because they can cause long-term social problems, not just short-term effects.
Impacts of gambling on people
Although negative impacts of gambling are well-known, the positive ones are still largely unexplored. Research into the health impacts of gambling is needed to understand the positive impacts. Positive effects of gambling may extend beyond the individual gambler’s social circle. In addition to the positive effects, gambling may even benefit the lower socioeconomic groups. In addition, recreational gamblers often report better health. The economic costs of gambling are underestimated because they focus only on the negative side of the coin.
Costs of gambling
There are several types of costs associated with gambling. These include the obvious social costs, which correspond to financial losses resulting from problem gambling. These costs include embezzlement, fraud, and bankruptcy, while psychic costs are harder to quantify. The costs that are directly related to gambling are the loss of hours of work, and these are measured as average gross salaries plus social security contributions. The study also considers non-medical costs, such as time and effort invested by non-profit organizations, which would likely increase the overall cost.
Social costs of gambling
The annual social costs of gambling in Italy total more than EUR 2.3 billion. These costs are a significant economic burden on society, but they only consider the public cost associated with high-risk gambling. Other costs associated with gambling include personal and family costs, crime and legal expenses, health care, and personal and family losses. In addition, the study does not consider the costs of low-risk and moderate gambling. Nevertheless, the study identifies the social costs of gambling and makes recommendations for reducing their costs.
Long-term effects of problem gambling
A person with a problem gambling problem will affect more than just themselves. Many family members and friends also suffer long-term effects of problem gambling. Approximately five to ten people are negatively affected by the gambling habit. The proportion of people negatively affected by problem gambling is three to four times higher than the general population. Approximately 30% of New Zealand adults know someone with a problem gambling problem. Around 8% of New Zealanders experienced harm as a result of their friend’s gambling. Moreover, the financial toll gambling takes is disproportionately high on children and partners of problem gamblers.
Ways to avoid gambling
There are a variety of ways to avoid gambling, but you must do your research before starting any kind of rehab. One of the first steps is accepting the fact that you have a problem. Accepting the problem allows you to face its causes and avoid its consequences. After accepting that you have a problem, you must learn to avoid situations that could trigger gambling and seek alternatives to relieve stress. A lot of these ways are very effective.