The impact of gambling is multifaceted. Some are positive and some are negative. It impacts society and the economy in many ways. Other types of impacts include labor, health, and well-being. The societal and social impacts of gambling are often discussed, as are the negative impacts of problem gambling. Using a conceptual model helps to structure the different impacts of gambling. These impacts include both immediate and long-term effects. Let’s look at some of them.
Impacts of gambling on society
Concerned citizens and institutions have alluded to the detrimental effects of gambling on society. A recent study conducted by the National Gambling Board in South Africa highlighted that a number of social problems arise from excessive gambling, including domestic violence, financial difficulties, and stress-related illnesses. These effects are compounded by the costs incurred by governments, including the direct regulation of gambling and the provision of social services. As a result, legislation is needed to curb gambling.
Problems associated with problem gambling
While there are several studies of problem gambling in the West, few specifically focus on ethnic minorities. This article aims to fill this knowledge gap by measuring the applicability of western studies to non-Western groups. Further research should focus on culturally sensitive approaches, rather than overemphasizing hospital-based treatments. And it should also consider the role of culture in problem gambling, as gambling is not limited to one specific race or culture.
Medications used to treat gambling addiction
Medical drugs have long been used to treat addiction, and many of them are highly effective. Naltrexone, for example, is an antidepressant that decreases the frequency of thoughts about gambling. It also improves social and occupational functioning, and is often helpful in alleviating anxiety associated with gambling. However, medications do not work alone. To be effective, they must be taken in combination with other treatments. The following is a brief summary of the various medications used to treat gambling addiction.
Impacts of gambling on small businesses
The positive impacts of gambling are generally underestimated. In Australia, for example, the cost of lost productivity has been estimated at between US$6 million and US$39 million. In addition, absenteeism due to gambling-related issues has cost the state approximately $46 million. Moreover, research on the impact of gambling on small businesses has shown that problem gamblers tend to do less than their peers in terms of work performance. Further, some problem gamblers may even commit crimes in the workplace.
Cost-benefit analysis of gambling
Gambling has become legalized in Canada in recent years, and while the popularity of this activity has risen, it has done so in an unpredictable manner, with little to no evidence that gambling has a net positive impact. This article describes the distinctive features of gambling in Canada, summarizes the state of existing cost-benefit analyses, and makes the case for more comprehensive evaluations of gambling outcomes. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinarity and alternative research paradigms.