Gambling has been linked to reduced productivity and decreased attendance. It also causes impaired working relationships and can lead to termination of employment. In fact, 40% of problem gamblers say that gambling has negatively affected their jobs, and 61% report that they have missed work due to gambling. Gambling has also been linked to fatigue and distraction, which can lead to poor work performance, according to a Finnish study.

Problem gambling in adolescents

The prevalence of problem gambling among adolescents is much higher in boys than in girls. The frequency is lower among girls in secondary school. Researchers have identified several risk factors associated with problem gambling. These include smoking, alcohol, and other substances. Poor sleep is also a risk factor. Furthermore, poor sleep can be a sign of other problems.

While problem gambling can occur at any age, the earliest signs and symptoms may not be visible until adolescence. Subsequent longitudinal studies may reveal other risk factors or consequences associated with adolescent gambling. Consequently, we should view adolescent gambling behavior as a continuum, and seek to identify those elements that are associated with problem gambling.

Social acceptance of gambling

Social acceptance of gambling can be understood in several ways. First, it is considered as a form of entertainment and pastime, often with a goal of winning money. Second, it is legitimized by group norms, which allows participants to avoid personal responsibility. This way, gambling is externalised and moral questions are not raised.

Third, gambling is encouraged by the media and social networks. Young people are especially vulnerable to this trend, as their connectivity and access to social media sites increases their exposure to gambling advertisements. Additionally, many online games have gambling themes and require credit purchases. Television broadcasts also have advertisements for sports betting.

Costs of gambling

The costs of gambling are numerous and diverse. It causes extreme financial stress and employment difficulties. It is also associated with mental and medical illnesses. These diseases can include chronic headaches, intestinal problems, cognitive disorders, and cardiovascular problems. The illnesses associated with gambling also generate costs of therapy and treatment. Furthermore, the casino industry is highly regulated and the costs of regulatory costs must be paid through taxes.

However, it is not easy to estimate the total cost of gambling. This is partly due to the lack of causal relationships between gambling problems and health outcomes. Gambling problems are often caused by other factors such as life circumstances or mental disorders, making it difficult to establish causal links. As a result, previous studies have accounted for these factors by applying a causality adjustment factor. The Australian Productivity Commission, for example, based their costs on the assumption that 80% of problem gamblers would face the same consequences without gambling.

Positive impacts of gambling on health and well-being

While gambling revenues have positive impacts on public services, fewer studies have focused on the positive effects on gamblers. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) has defined gambling as a behavioral addiction, requiring an individual to demonstrate four or more of the nine symptoms within the last year to be classified as an addicted gambler. Some of these symptoms involve difficulty controlling urges to gamble; others are related to chasing losses and the harms associated with problem gambling.

Gambling impacts are observed at many levels, including the individual, interpersonal, and societal level. The impacts of gambling are often quantified by examining the costs and benefits of gambling, as well as how gambling affects others. The negative impacts of gambling may be severe, while the positive impacts can range from minimal to minimal.