The social costs of gambling have received much less attention than the economic costs, despite the fact that both are significant. Many studies focus on casino impacts, but few consider the social costs of gambling. In the past, studies of casino impacts focused more on individual costs and benefits, rather than broader societal or community effects. However, this is beginning to change. In the coming decades, more studies will focus on social costs and benefits of gambling, and there are some promising results.
Whether it is a personal or interpersonal impact, gambling’s consequences are significant. Not only does gambling affect the person, it affects those closest to him/her. This includes family members, work colleagues, and friends. In some cases, the consequences of excessive gambling are so great that it may cause the gambler to face homelessness and bankruptcy. Regardless of the level of impact, gambling impacts should be assessed to understand how the gambling industry affects society.
Problem gambling can negatively affect employment. Those who gamble at work can face productivity losses, absenteeism, and poor working relationships. Consequently, these behaviors can lead to the loss of employment. In Finland, forty percent of problem gamblers say that gambling negatively affects their job performance, while 61 percent report missing work because of their gambling habit. Finnish treatment-seeking gamblers assess their work performance, stress, and distractions.
Gambling has also been linked to increased social opportunities. Many studies have shown that people who gamble regularly reported better health than nongamblers. Seniors who gamble also reported higher self-concepts than nongamblers. In addition, gambling is a common family activity. Although there are many negative effects of gambling, they are often overlooked in the positive aspects of gambling. If these negative impacts of gambling are not addressed, it may be worth considering other social benefits associated with gambling.
While the negative effects of gambling are well known, many researchers have failed to consider the positive effects of gambling. For example, studies of alcohol and drug consumption have focused primarily on the negative consequences of problem gambling, leaving out a wide range of social benefits. The economic cost-benefit analysis has failed to account for these benefits, despite the fact that they have been widely studied for decades. Further, the literature on social costs of gambling has a tendency to focus on negative effects of gambling and ignores the positive effects.
Recent studies have also found that gambling can reduce crime and improve public health. The study authors concluded that the environmental benefits of casino development are overwhelmingly positive. In fact, the study concluded that casino development reduced state lottery revenue by over 15%. Moreover, the authors have also examined the ecological associations of casino development with economic development. These studies are consistent with the findings of the American Economic Review. For more information on the benefits of gambling, visit the Sociological Impact of Gambling
Most adults admit to having gambled at some point in their lives, and a minority say it is their primary leisure activity. Some even report that gambling has replaced other hobbies and leisure activities. This suggests that gambling is beneficial to society in many ways. In addition to being beneficial to the economy, gambling can be a way to obtain venture capital or spread statistical risks. And finally, the social benefits of gambling are clear: