Gambling involves betting money or materials on the outcome of an event – it could be the roll of a dice, the spin of a roulette wheel or the result of a horse race. It is a risky activity because the outcome of an event depends on random chance and it cannot be predicted. While most people enjoy gambling for fun, a small group of individuals become addicted and experience negative personal, family and financial impacts.

There are many reasons why people may start to gamble, such as the expectation of an early big win, boredom susceptibility, impulsivity, use of escape coping or life stressors. Some people are more susceptible to developing a gambling addiction than others, including young people, males and those with low incomes who have more to lose and less to gain from a large win. Genetic predispositions for thrill-seeking and impulsivity also contribute to problem gambling.

The benefits and costs of gambling can be broken down into three classes – financial, labour and health and well-being. The financial impact of gambling includes increased tax revenue, tourism and investments in infrastructure. The labour and health/well-being impact of gambling include changes in productivity, job gains, losses and work-related illness and injury.

It is important for loved ones to recognise the warning signs of a gambling addiction in their family member or friend, and to seek professional help when necessary. A support network is important, and it can be beneficial for those who have a loved one with a gambling problem to join a peer support group such as Gamblers Anonymous, which follows a similar model to Alcoholics Anonymous.