The Dangers of Gambling

Gambling is an activity that involves putting something of value at risk in the hope of winning a prize, often money. It can happen in casinos, racetracks, online or at sporting events. People often gamble for fun and excitement, but it can also be a way to relieve boredom or anxiety. There are some people who have a gambling problem, and it can lead to financial distress, relationship breakdown, family violence, mental illness and suicide. The harms caused by gambling can last a lifetime and have long-lasting effects on the wider community.

In many countries, people can legally gamble in state-licensed venues and on regulated electronic gaming machines. They can also place bets on sports events and games of chance, and play casino-style table and card games with friends in private settings, like homes. People can also make bets and place a wager on their mobile phones, computers or tablets anywhere they have internet access.

The risk is that, if they don’t win, they will lose their money or other assets. But even if they do win, they can still be left with a lot of debt and other financial problems. A study by The Lancet found that for every person who has a problem with gambling, there are six other people who are also affected.

Some people are more likely to develop a gambling problem, especially men and those who start gambling at younger ages. It is also more common in people who feel isolated or lonely, and it can be exacerbated by spending too much time playing video and mobile games, which often require micro-transactions and payments. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has some useful information about the risks of gambling, and how to avoid them.

Many different kinds of gambling are legal in different countries, and each country sets its own rules about how gambling is regulated, where it can take place and the ages at which people can gamble. For example, in some states of the US, you can buy a lottery ticket at 18 and enter a casino at 21, while in others it is illegal to bet on horse races or purchase a scratchcard until you’re 18.

There are also a number of international agreements that aim to limit the harms from gambling by reducing advertising and promotion, providing universal pre-commitment systems that allow people to set binding losses limits, and limiting availability (opening hours, density). A comprehensive approach to reducing gambling harm is needed, which should include upstream interventions such as prevention and community support for those struggling.

The WHO recognizes the negative impact that gambling has on health, including on relationships and families, economic development, and societal cohesion. Without appropriate interventions, gambling can impede progress toward the achievement of global goals.