Gambling is when you risk something of value (like money) on a game based on chance, such as betting on football matches or scratchcards. If you guess right, you win the prize, but if you lose, you will lose your money. Some people gamble for socialization, others do it for the thrill of winning, and still others do it to escape from boredom or stress, or to help cope with other problems they may be facing.
Gambling can have positive and negative effects on society, depending on how it’s regulated. Some of the positive effects include economic growth, entertainment, and generating revenue for public services. On the other hand, some of its negative impacts can include financial, labor, and health and well-being concerns. These are observed on personal, interpersonal and community/society levels (Fig. 2).
The reason why gambling can be so addictive is because, like cocaine and alcohol, it activates the brain’s reward system in the same way that these substances do. This overstimulates the reward system, so the person needs more and more to feel the same pleasure.
In addition, some communities view gambling as a common pastime, making it difficult for them to recognize when an individual has a problem. This is because cultural beliefs can influence how individuals think about gambling and what constitutes a problem. For example, in some communities, gambling can be a way to get involved with charity events, such as bingo games or lottery participation.