Gambling is an activity that involves risk and uncertainty. It is also an enjoyable activity that gives people the chance to win a lot of money. However, some people may find it difficult to control their spending habits and gambling can lead to debts. In addition, it is not recommended to gamble if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, some people are genetically predisposed to thrill-seeking behaviours and impulsivity, which can make them more likely to engage in problematic gambling.
Various researches have shown that more than one billion individuals around the world participate in gambling activities each year. This is a considerable percentage of the population and is not something to be ignored. This is because gambling contributes a substantial amount to the GDP of many countries around the globe.
However, the negative impacts of gambling are more evident than the positive ones. These impacts are mainly observed on personal, interpersonal and community/society levels. While personal and interpersonal level impacts are mostly nonmonetary in nature, the society/community level externalities include financial, labor, health and well-being and quality of life costs.
The first step in dealing with a problem gambler is to establish boundaries and limit access to credit cards. It is also important to talk about your concerns with a trusted friend or family member. It is a good idea to seek professional help, too. For example, a counselor can teach you skills to recognize impulsive and risky behaviour and develop a plan for change.