There are many consequences of gambling, ranging from personal to social. Not only does gambling have an impact on the individual gambler, but it also affects family members, friends, and work colleagues. These costs and benefits are often hidden and unmeasured. Here are some of the key consequences of gambling and the costs and benefits associated with them. o Observable costs – Although these costs are not necessarily monetary, they are often overlooked. The monetary costs of gambling, on the other hand, are the most obvious consequences.
o The positive effects of gambling on society: Research shows that gambling has many positive impacts. People who participate in recreational gambling reports better health than nongamblers. This behavior is also beneficial for senior citizens. It reinforces self-concepts, especially in people from lower socioeconomic status. Furthermore, it can help keep a person optimistic and energized under challenging life situations. But even these effects are not immediately evident. More research is needed to understand the full impact of gambling.
o Addiction-related costs – People who suffer from a gambling problem must make a commitment to stay away from gambling for a long time. This is more challenging today because of the Internet. Nonetheless, a person can still gamble if they have a computer and Internet connection. Hence, it is essential to surround oneself with accountability and avoid tempting environments. It is also vital to give up control over finances and replace gambling with healthier activities.