The Social Costs and Benefits of Gambling

Studies on gambling have generally focused on the economic costs and benefits, but have ignored the social impacts. Walker and Barnett, for example, define social costs as harm that is done to someone without a benefit for anyone else. The social cost of gambling is, therefore, not personal, but rather is a shared responsibility. This has significant implications for policymaking, as gambling has a wide range of consequences. This article considers these social costs and benefits, and the impact they may have on the economy, public services, and the individual.

Problem gambling

Problem gambling in young people is a serious issue, with negative consequences that extend far beyond the risk of financial ruin. These young people often engage in antisocial behaviors, including stealing to fund their gambling habit. These youths also tend to have less motivation in school and report a higher level of anxiety and depression. They may also engage in aggressive behavior, conflict, and poor schoolwork. Problem gambling is often accompanied by withdrawal symptoms, mood modification, and conflict with family members.

Economic cost-benefit analysis

The social and economic cost-benefit analysis of gambling can be very valuable in developing public policy. The positive effects of gambling are often overstated and cannot be quantified. The social costs of gambling include social capital losses, economic disruption, and changes to individual economic status. The negative impact of gambling is often less apparent but can include everything from decreased productivity to homelessness. In addition, the social cost of gambling may also include physical health and community infrastructure costs.

Legal age for gambling

The age of gambling is 18 in the United States, with some countries adopting higher gambling ages. Most European countries have legal age for gambling at 18 years old, with Greece being the only exception. In Canada, gambling is legal for those 18 and over, but some countries require the age to be 21. In the United States, the gambling age varies from state to state. In Las Vegas, the gambling age is 18 and up, but in many other places it is at least 21.

Impacts on public services

The negative impacts of gambling on public services can be quantified through cost-benefit analyses. However, the benefits of gambling depend on how the public services are used. Gambling can help generate employment in a community and generate revenue for governments and public services. The positive impacts of gambling on a community depend on the type of gambling. Some forms of gambling create more negative effects than others. While casinos and race tracks may provide local employment, they also contribute to local administrative costs and divert resources from other local activities. Moreover, casino gambling has the greatest potential to increase crime and other social services costs.

Treatment options

There are several treatment options for gambling addiction. Inpatient rehabilitation is usually the first choice for those who are struggling with the problem and are unable to stop gambling on their own. The goal of an inpatient rehab program is to give a person a structured environment to focus on the underlying causes of gambling addiction and develop strategies to cope with the symptoms of withdrawal. Individuals who are addicted to gambling may benefit from a 12-step program, which is commonly used by alcoholics.

Studies on gambling have generally focused on the economic costs and benefits, but have ignored the social impacts. Walker and Barnett, for example, define social costs as harm that is done to someone without a benefit for anyone else. The social cost of gambling is, therefore, not personal, but rather is a shared responsibility. This…