The term ‘gambling’ can be used to describe a wide range of activities, from playing card games or board games with friends for small amounts of money, through to placing a bet on an event whose outcome is uncertain. Often, it is seen as a way to socialise and enjoy fun and excitement. However, if not controlled, gambling can lead to financial problems, including debt and bankruptcy. It can also have a negative impact on relationships and health.

People with mental health problems are more at risk of harmful gambling. They may use it as a form of self-medication or to distract themselves from painful emotions. It can cause them to feel depressed, anxious and guilty. Some may even have thoughts of suicide. However, it is possible to overcome a problem with gambling through the help of a professional therapist. In addition, there are many organisations that offer free and confidential support to those with gambling addictions.

A problem with gambling can be very stressful, affecting both you and your family. It can lead to a lack of sleep, which in turn can impact your work performance and relationships with family members. It can be hard to admit that you have a gambling problem and seek help, but it is important to do so. It’s worth remembering that there are many others who have been through the same thing and made a recovery.

Getting the right kind of support can make all the difference. If you’re worried about someone who’s gambling, there are specialist charities that can help. They can give you advice and guidance, including how to talk to them about their gambling and offer emotional support. They can also help you get back on track financially – for example, by cancelling joint bank accounts or putting restrictions on cash withdrawals.

It’s essential to recognise the signs of a gambling problem, such as changes in behaviour, feelings or mood, and problems with relationships. Gambling can also have a negative impact on your job performance, with some people even losing their jobs as a result of their addiction. It’s also important to recognise the impact on your health, both physical and psychological. It’s been reported that excessive gambling causes high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. It can also lead to increased blood pressure, headaches and an increase in heart rate.

It is also important to recognise the impact of gambling on society. Various studies have shown that gambling has external impacts on the economy, labour and social and health and well-being. These effects are observed at the individual, interpersonal and community/societal levels and are long-term. However, methodological challenges exist in measuring these impacts. Among these, the fact that debt problems are both a motivator and consequence of gambling activity makes it difficult to establish causal pathways. Moreover, a wide range of measures has been employed in assessing these impacts, which has led to inconsistent results. This article attempts to address these issues by developing a conceptual model of the effects of gambling and proposing a methodological framework for its analysis.