Gambling hazards can be anything that has a detrimental effect on the life of the gambler or the people around them. Below, we unmask the negative effects of a betting problem on an individual and those around them.

Financial issues

Many people with gambling addiction end up depleting their funds betting on games. This is a warning indicator for gamblers and those close to them. These individuals spend less on necessities like food, medicine, and education. 

This is a clear indicator of harm, and it rises as gambling problems get worse. Other indicators of increased risk for problem gambling include credit debt accumulation or selling items to finance gambling. The most severe financial harm is bankruptcy, at which point gambling help services are recommended.

Emotional distress

Regret is an early indicator of harm for gamblers. Anger and despair are some early indicators for those impacted by another person’s gambling. Gamblers and those close to them often endure feelings of failure, vulnerability, worthlessness, and intense distress. This suggests that people who suffer from someone else’s gambling are emotionally experiencing the harmful effects of the behavior.

Relationship problems

Relationship damage is the most prevalent kind of gambling-related harm. This involves fighting, ignoring obligations, threatening to end a relationship, and actually ending a relationship.

Individuals who are impacted by another person’s gambling are more likely to report interpersonal strain or conflict as a result of gambling than those who gamble themselves.

Criminal activity

There are three categories of crime associated with gambling:

• Crimes of negligence, such as leaving children unsupervised in venue parking lots
• Crimes of opportunity, such as stealing and fraud to finance gambling
• Crimes of prostitution or drug trafficking to pay off debts

Criminal action can lead to significant long-term suffering, such as stigma and shame, a criminal record, and the repercussions of a jail sentence. This type of gambling harm can have a significant impact on victims of criminal activities as well.

Problems at work or school 

An individual may miss work or school to participate in gambling activities. For instance, some of them may spend several days gambling in a casino until they deplete all the money. This can also be linked to other forms of harm, like psychological or emotional pain. 

Diminished performance due to fatigue or lack of attention is a major indicator of harm frequently associated with problem gambling. The individual may be preoccupied with thoughts of gambling. Conflict at work, losing one’s job, and being excluded from studies are the worst consequences of problem betting.

Mental health issues

Psychological health issues may result from gambling addiction. These include depression, anxiety disorders, stress, and decreased sleep brought on by worry. Increased healthcare utilization due to gambling-related problems is a clear indicator of harm for both gamblers and those who are near them.

Those with a problem gambling problem are more likely to be diagnosed with depression (41.9%) than those who gamble at moderate risk (24.1%). Additionally, their likelihood of receiving a diagnosis of an anxiety condition is doubled (39.5%) compared to moderate-risk gamblers (20%). Approximately 10% of low-risk gamblers say they have anxiety or depression.

Final words

Recognizing these effects of gambling problems is a critical first step in obtaining assistance.