Despite the benefits of gambling revenues, few studies have explored how these gambling dollars affect gamblers themselves. One way to assess the impact of gambling on gamblers is to use health-related quality of life (HRQoL) weights, also known as disability weights. These weights measure the burden of a health state on quality of life per individual. They are also useful in measuring the intangible social costs of gambling. By looking at the effects of gambling on gambling-prone individuals, these weights will be useful in identifying the harms that this addiction creates in their social networks.
Impacts of gambling on people
While gambling for money is an acceptable form of recreation in many countries, it has negative social and economic effects. Studies on the impact of gambling on people have proven useful in determining appropriate gambling policies and comparing the effects of different policies. This study applies a public health approach to determine the effects of gambling across the severity scale, including economic, social, and behavioral impacts. In addition to assessing the effects of gambling, this study also considers the costs and benefits of problem gambling.
Many people who gamble excessively try to quit, but it is difficult to stop. They are scared that their loved ones will find out. Sadly, gambling can drive people into a downward spiral of debt and self-destruction. In such a scenario, people might resort to steal from employers or loved ones in order to pay off the debt. Gambling is a dangerous distraction from these problems and can lead to suicide. To overcome this problem, people need professional help.
Social costs of gambling
The social costs of gambling are largely similar in Connecticut and Wisconsin. These cost factors include lost work time, unemployment, and bad debts. Other costs include welfare costs, criminal justice system, and civil court costs. While the social costs of gambling are similar, the states differ in some ways, such as the amount of income lost to crime and theft. Nonetheless, both studies show significant variation, particularly in terms of the cost of theft. Legalized gambling may play a role in these differences.
Intangible social costs of gambling include reduced quality of life. In the case of gambling, a gambler may face physical violence from loan sharks or even threats. The Swelogs survey asks whether the gambler has experienced physical violence, or is at risk of it, in the last 12 months. This excess share corresponds to about 10 percent of gambling problems. Further, these costs are paid through taxes. However, a few individuals may face the consequences of gambling regardless of the amount of money that they win.
Health costs of gambling
The impacts of gambling can be measured on a number of levels, including individual, interpersonal and societal. Some impacts are direct, resulting from revenue, while others are indirect, affecting the economy and society. Some impacts are financial in nature, including losses in labor productivity, reduced performance and job gains. Depending on the level of impact, gambling can be considered a “non-monetary” cost. However, there are also societal impacts, including costs of care for problem gamblers and the families of problem gamblers.
The health costs of gambling extend far beyond the financial losses. The stress of gambling and worry about money is a leading cause of ill health in problem gamblers. Some reports show that gambling-affected spouses are more likely to develop migraines or other self-destructive behaviors. In addition to the financial burden, gambling can also affect one’s access to medication and preventative health care. One older gambler rationed his medication after long periods of heavy gambling by his wife.