Gambling involves risking money or something else of value on an event that is based largely on chance. It can involve betting on a football match, playing a scratchcard or betting with friends. Gambling companies set ‘odds’, which are the chances of winning or losing. The odds are usually expressed as a ratio, for example 5/1 or 2/1.
Some people become addicted to gambling and have serious problems. These are called problem gamblers. Problem gamblers can be anyone, but they tend to be more likely to be from poorer backgrounds and to be men. Some studies suggest that people who are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviour and impulsivity may be more vulnerable to developing gambling disorders. The cultural beliefs of a community can also influence its views on gambling and what constitutes a problem.
Taking measures to limit the impact of gambling on society can help prevent or reduce problems caused by gambling. These include increasing public awareness, establishing clear gambling regulations and providing treatment and support services for those who develop gambling-related disorders. The paper reviews complementing and contrasting methodologies to produce a conceptual model for assessing gambling impacts using a public health perspective. The model includes cost-benefit analysis, and is based on a definition of social impacts that takes into account both the personal, interpersonal and societal level of impact. The models are intended to serve as a starting point for a common methodology to assess gambling impacts.