The Gambling Debate

Gambling is the wagering of something of value on a random event with the intent to win another item of equal or greater value, where instances of strategy are discounted. It can be done in many different ways: people may play card games or board games for small amounts of money with friends, participate in friendly sports betting pools, or buy lottery tickets. It can also be done by professional gamblers who rely on their knowledge of math and probability to make bets that maximize long term positive expected returns.

There are many reasons that people gamble, ranging from personal enjoyment to coping with unpleasant emotions and boredom. It is important to understand that gambling does not solve these issues and that it can often lead to more serious problems, such as depression, financial difficulties, and family problems. Fortunately, there are several treatment options for gambling addiction, including cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Various interests have influenced the gambling debate and are often conflicting. Miles’ law – “where you stand depends on where you sit” predicts that those who benefit from the gambling industry will support it, while those who do not will oppose it. These interests include elected officials who use gambling to solidify a city’s economic base, bureaucrats who are promised gaming revenue, and owners of large casinos who view gambling as competition. Impacts from gambling can be seen at the personal, interpersonal, and community/society level (Fig 1). These impacts are mostly monetary in nature and include general costs/benefits, costs of problem gambling, and long-term cost.