Gambling is a popular leisure time activity that can have negative as well as positive impacts on the gambler, his/her significant others, and the community. The benefits and costs of gambling are usually assessed on three different levels: financial, labor, and health and well-being. However, the methodological challenges to studying these impacts remain complex.

Benefits of gambling include socialization, skill improvement, and entertainment. These advantages are especially prominent for people who play games that require a high level of mental skills, such as poker or sports betting. This is because these games involve strategic thinking and calculating the odds of winning. In addition, these games can provide a good source of relaxation and stress relief for those who have trouble with anxiety and depression.

Another advantage of gambling is that it can teach individuals money management and financial planning skills, which are essential for life. For example, when a person makes a bet, he/she must calculate how much their money is worth and how long they can keep gambling before they run out of funds. This helps individuals develop awareness and discipline in managing their monthly budgets. In addition, gambling also teaches them how to make decisions based on probabilities and statistics.

On the other hand, gambling can have negative effects on society and economy, such as increased housing prices and rents, declines in community cohesion and social support, and increases in crime [75]. In addition, it has been reported that gambling may increase the number of employees at casinos and other gambling establishments, which has a direct impact on small businesses and jobs for the local community. Moreover, it can have negative consequences for health and well-being, including psychological distress, exacerbated chronic diseases, and addiction.

While gambling can have a variety of positive and negative impacts, most people are unaware of the health risks associated with it. Moreover, they are often unaware of the social and mental benefits of gambling. For this reason, many people find it difficult to stop gambling and are not aware of the help available for them. If you are worried that you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, contact a responsible gambling centre for advice and assistance.