Gambling affects the social fabric of societies in a variety of ways. Social costs of gambling range from economic to labor costs to impacts on health and well-being. The effects of gambling range from the immediate to the long-term, from negative to positive. In the following, we look at some of these impacts.
Social costs of gambling
According to the best available national research, the social costs of gambling exceed the benefits by three to one. In Canada, for example, 60% of adults gamble at least occasionally. In the same year, the country spent $17 billion on legalized gambling, and another $4 billion on gambling on the internet. Approximately nine percent of property crimes and 13 percent of violent crimes are related to gambling.
Among other impacts, gambling causes extreme financial stress, which is linked to unemployment and medical problems. These include cardiovascular conditions, chronic headaches, intestinal problems, and cognitive disorders. The resulting illnesses, in turn, create costs related to therapy and treatment. Additionally, gambling increases taxes, which are paid by taxpayers.
Impacts of problem gambling on society
The effects of problem gambling on society are many and varied. While some of these effects are positive, there are also negative ones. Some positive impacts include the reduction in illegal gambling. On the other hand, there are also negative impacts, such as increased crime. Let’s explore some of these impacts to understand the extent to which they affect society.
Problem gambling increases the demand for social services. It can lead to increased financial loss and social problems. There is an association between increased gambling availability and social inequality. Poorer households lose more money on gambling than higher-income households. Moreover, the effects of problem gambling are compounded by the fact that they affect the well-being of family and community members.
Impacts of problem gambling on employment
Problem gambling has a variety of consequences, including reduced productivity, missed deadlines, poor quality of work, and even physical and emotional health issues. It can also lead to theft, fraud, and embezzlement. For these reasons, the effects of problem gambling on employment should be considered carefully.
The negative effects of problem gambling on the workplace depend on its severity. In extreme cases, it can lead to reduced productivity, diminished job security, and compromised working relationships. Eventually, these consequences can lead to termination. Employers should become familiar with the warning signs of problem gambling to ensure that they don’t lose a valuable employee.
Impacts of problem gambling on tourism
The impacts of problem gambling on tourism are multifaceted. They manifest themselves at three levels: the personal, interpersonal, and societal levels. These impacts affect individual behavior and affect the economy. At the personal level, the costs are invisible and often unrecognized. The societal and community level impacts, however, include economic costs and benefits related to problem gambling.
While the impacts of problem gambling on tourism are often positive, the negative effects of gambling cannot be ignored. Casinos can increase crime, and they can cause an increase in violence and driving while intoxicated. Nonetheless, there are ways to mitigate these negative impacts. One way is to restrict the amount of gambling and encourage responsible gambling. Alternatively, casinos can be a source of employment for local residents.
Impacts of problem gambling on crime
Problem gambling is often associated with criminal behaviour, including violent crimes. There are a variety of studies that show the impact of problem gambling on society. For example, J Gambl Stud (a population-based study from Denmark) shows that there is an increased risk of violent crimes among problem gamblers. Other studies have investigated the impact of casinos on the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths, and Cotti CD and Walker DM found an increase in violent crime in towns where casinos are prevalent. Other studies have examined the social and economic costs of problem gambling, such as the costs incurred by government and taxpayers.
The authors used data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years in the U.S. and examined their socioeconomic status, academic performance, age, gender, religious affiliation, personality traits, and problem gambling behavior. The authors also examined the association between problem gambling and criminal behavior by comparing data from two surveys, which included the same adolescents in 2002 and 2008.