Gambling is a form of recreation for some, a source of income for others and for many people it can have negative impacts on their health, family and social life. The good news is that gambling also has positive contributions to society and if regulated responsibly it can provide a useful source of entertainment, economic growth and revenue for communities.

However, it is important to understand the negative and positive impacts of gambling in order to ensure that its potential benefits are fully realized. This requires a common understanding of the issues, which is often difficult because research scientists, psychiatrists, other treatment care clinicians and public policy makers tend to frame problems with gambling differently depending on their training and world view.

This can lead to a lack of clarity, and it is important that everyone has a clear picture of the situation, including the benefits and costs, so that decisions are made based on sound evidence. While there are many different opinions on what gambling is, most experts agree that it involves wagering something of value on a random event with the intent to win something else of value. In addition, the majority of gambling is conducted for money and the chances of winning vary according to the type of game and the odds.

Some people may become addicted to gambling because of a variety of reasons, for example: the need for novelty and sensation, impulsivity, boredom susceptibility, poor coping skills, a desire for status and power, an unrealistic understanding of the probability of winning and the use of gambling as a way to escape from stressful life events. In some cases, these factors interact in an escalating pattern of behavior that leads to a progressive increase in losses and an increasing loss of control over the activity.

The negative impacts of gambling are a complex mixture of personal, interpersonal, societal and long-term costs. In some cases, these costs are not visible to the individual, but can affect their loved ones and the community, such as through strained relationships or poor performance at work. At the societal level, the external costs are generally monetary and can be general costs associated with problem gambling or the cost of treatment and recovery.

It is important to note that the negative effects of gambling are not exclusive to pathological gamblers; in fact, a large percentage of those with problem gambling may have been considered to meet DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling at some point in their lifetime. While there are many relapse rates for those with problem gambling, the evidence shows that with the right treatment and support services these individuals can recover. This can be a challenging task, but it is crucial to the health of both the individual and the society. In addition, there is growing evidence that nonproblem gamblers are experiencing harm as well and should be included in gambling impact studies. This is particularly important because the social and emotional costs can be as great as those of problem gambling.