If you have a family member who has a problem with gambling, it is important to take steps to stop them from spending money on it. If they are not getting help, it can be very dangerous for them and can lead to serious problems with their mental health, finances and relationships.
Gambling can cause harm for many people, including their mental health, relationships with friends and work colleagues, and performance at home or at work. It can also get them into trouble with the law and leave them in debt and possibly homeless.
Benefits and costs of gambling
Generally speaking, economic analysis studies that focus on the gross impact of gambling do not attempt to consider the cost and benefits of gambling in a balanced way. They typically emphasize economic benefits and minimize the impact of costs (such as increased crime and social services).
A study by Grinols and Omorov (1995) provides a counterpoint to traditional economic impact analysis in that it takes a broad approach to estimating the effects of gambling. Instead of focusing on the geographic area in which gambling occurs, it estimates the effect of increasing access to casino gambling nationwide.
The study identifies externality costs associated with pathological gambling, which are often omitted in gambling-related economic analysis studies. These costs are related to criminal justice system costs, social service costs, and costs due to lost productivity.
The good news is that there are many ways to treat and prevent gambling problems. The key is to reach out for support from family members and other support groups. If your problem is severe, inpatient or residential treatment and rehab programs are available. These can help you regain control of your life and stay on the right track to recovery.