The word ‘gambling’ is often used to describe a dangerous addiction, but it’s a term that also covers a lot of things. The first step towards recovery is admitting that there is a problem, which can be very difficult to do, especially if it means losing a lot of money and straining or breaking relationships. Many people find it easier to recover with the help of a therapist, who can offer cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which looks at a person’s beliefs and feelings around betting.
The main reason why people gamble is the chance of winning money. But gambling is about much more than money: it’s an enjoyable and entertaining activity that gives people pleasure. It can also be a way to relieve stress, take your mind off everyday problems or socialize with friends. It can also trigger feelings of euphoria, which is linked to the brain’s reward system.
Gambling can have both positive and negative impacts on society. In the past, research has mainly focused on the economic costs of gambling, but it is important to also consider the non-monetary effects. These include changes in quality of life, community/society cohesion, and social disorganization.
The main challenge in studying these impacts is that they are hard to quantify. In the case of monetary harms, it is easy to calculate them using a cost-benefit analysis approach. However, identifying and measuring the indirect costs of gambling is more complex. This article introduces an innovative model for the assessment of these impacts.