For the majority of people, gambling is a harmless way to spend their leisure time. However, for a small group of individuals, it becomes an all-consuming activity and has negative personal, family, financial, and work consequences. In this article, we discuss how the current gambling industry model fails to take into account these negative social impacts, and propose a new method for assessing gambling impact on society.

Most previous studies have focused on the economic impacts of gambling, which are easily quantified and accounted for. These studies often ignore or underestimate the social costs, such as emotional stress and relationship problems, that cannot be measured in monetary terms. We suggest adopting a public health approach to studying gambling impact, which involves separating costs and benefits into three classes: financial, labor, and health and well-being. The benefits and costs of a particular gambling policy can then be compared across these categories using disability weights.

If you think you have a gambling problem, seek help. Talk to your doctor or a therapist who specializes in gambling addiction and recovery. BetterHelp, an online therapy service that matches you with licensed therapists, can help you find a therapist who specializes in gambling and related issues. Also, try to find healthier ways to relieve unpleasant feelings, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, or practicing relaxation techniques. Never chase your losses; this is the “gambler’s fallacy,” which causes you to believe that you are due for a big win and will make up for all of the money you’ve lost.