Gambling is an activity in which people stake something valuable on an event whose outcome is determined by chance. Examples include lotteries, sports betting, casino games, and online gaming. It is a popular pastime that can provide entertainment and an adrenaline rush. It can also be a way to socialise and escape from problems or stress. But it is important to recognise that gambling can become an addiction. If you are worried that you or a loved one has a problem, seek help immediately.

The earliest evidence of gambling is thought to be found in ancient China, where tiles were unearthed that depict a rudimentary lottery-type game. Since then, there has been a steady rise in gambling revenue across the world. The popularity of this activity can be attributed to its potential for generating profits and a variety of side benefits. It has been shown that older adults who gamble often have better physical and mental health functioning than those who do not [5]. In addition, research has indicated that a small win can boost self-concepts, particularly for low socioeconomic groups.

However, the majority of studies have focused on the costs of gambling. This is because monetary benefits and costs are relatively easy to quantify. Consequently, researchers have often ignored social impacts that are nonmonetary in nature. This approach may be limiting the overall understanding of gambling impacts, especially for gamblers and their significant others. In the future, more emphasis should be placed on examining a more comprehensive set of impact measures.