Gambling involves placing something of value (money or possessions) on a random event that has the potential to produce a prize. This could be betting on a football team to win, or buying a scratchcard. The risk involved is the amount of money that one might lose, and the chance of winning depends on the odds – which are determined by the number of people who want to take part in a particular activity.

The negative impacts of gambling can be felt on a personal, interpersonal and community/society level. Personal and interpersonal impacts affect people who are related to the gambler or who interact with them, e.g. friends, family and work colleagues. Interpersonal harm is more prevalent in pathological gamblers and includes petty theft from others, illicit lending, and even violence in some cases. It is also a leading cause of family break-up and separation, with 63% of pathological gamblers having experienced domestic violence or dating abuse.

Economically, gambling contributes to local economies via employment and consumer spending, infrastructure improvements funded by casino revenues and the development of other industries. It is important to consider these positive effects when assessing the impact of gambling.

If you are struggling to control your gambling habits, it is essential to seek help. There are a range of support services available, including self-help groups like Gamblers Anonymous and treatment centres, based on the 12 step recovery model adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. It is also important to recognise that you may need treatment for underlying mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, which can trigger gambling problems and make them difficult to overcome.