Gambling – A Global Activity With Growing Prevalence and Harm
Gambling involves risking something of value (money or other assets) to predict the outcome of a game involving chance. If you win, you keep the prize; if you lose, you forfeit it. Historically, gambling has been socially and legally restricted in most places. However, in the late 20th century, there has been a gradual softening of attitudes and relaxation of laws against it.
Developing a gambling problem can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of background, culture or income level. It can cause relationship breakdown, family violence and other social ills. It can also cause financial distress, stigma and loss of control over personal finances. Some people even attempt suicide because of untreated gambling problems.
For some, gambling is seen as an exciting and fun way to spend time. It can also be used as an escape from boredom, grief or other stresses and worries. The media portrays gambling as glamorous, fashionable and sexy.
Gambling is a global activity with increasing prevalence and harms. It has become a global industry with multiple revenue streams, including casino gaming, sports betting, lottery sales, electronic machine games and video gaming. It is facilitated by globalization, digitalization and easy access to high-intensity products such as EGMs and online gambling. It is promoted by commercial associations, sponsorship and colocation with popular sporting leagues and by aggressive advertising in media and social media.
There are a number of ways to reduce gambling-related harm, including universal pre-commitment and self-exclusion systems. These are most effective when implemented in conjunction with prevention. However, a key challenge is that governments receive substantial taxation revenues from the gambling industry and this can undermine efforts to minimize harms.
It is important to remember that you will never win every time you gamble. There is always a house edge, which is the advantage that casinos and bookmakers have over players. The house edge can be predetermined (such as the odds of winning on a coin toss) or it can fluctuate, such as with betting odds in horse racing and football. The best advice is to start with a set amount of money that you are prepared to lose and only play within your limits. Always tip your dealer regularly, either by handing them a chip clearly marked for them and saying “This is for me” or by placing a bet for them. Don’t ever try to tip them cash – chips only. Also, always leave your ATM card in your hotel room and never chase your losses by trying to get back the money you’ve lost – this is called the gambler’s fallacy and it will only make you lose more.
