This article will focus on the socially acceptable costs of gambling, its problems, and ways to stop it. Gambling has become socially accepted, but how can you tell if you are too addicted? Here are some tips. Keep reading! We’ll look at the social costs of gambling, the consequences for the individual, and the cost/benefits to the community as a whole. Gambling affects everyone, whether it’s the gambler or the other person.
Socially acceptable
According to Gallup, 69 percent of Americans say that gambling is morally acceptable. The poll also asked about people’s attitudes toward marijuana, gay and lesbian relations, and babies born outside of marriage. This results suggest that attitudes toward gambling have not changed that dramatically since 1993. Despite the controversial nature of gambling, Americans have always found it to be socially acceptable to a majority of people. But, what exactly constitutes socially acceptable gambling?
According to one survey, 81% of the sample said they had gambled at least once in their lifetime. One-fifth of children said they gambled at least once per week. Another quarter of grade 8 students reported gambling more often than they wanted to, and another ten percent were afraid of getting caught gambling. Overall, the results of the study suggest that socially acceptable gambling is a major issue among youth. While some cultures have banned gambling, many others have made it socially acceptable.
Costs of gambling
Problem gambling causes increased workplace productivity losses due to lost hours, extended lunch breaks, and phone use. Problem gamblers may also be absent from work due to mental illnesses, incarceration, or emotional distress. Indirect costs include time lost due to absences or interruptions, lost productivity, and financial losses. One study in Quebec found that problem gambling among employees cost employers five hours per month in lost time and missed work. If that person earned $30k per year, the loss of five hours of work would equal $5 million. Further, a Czech study estimated that gambling problems among employees result in a loss of nine percent in productivity, compared to non-gamblers.
While direct costs are the most easily quantifiable, intangible costs are more difficult to quantify. In the Czech Republic and Australia, researchers estimated that the cost of problem gambling is equivalent to 0.3 to 1.0% of GDP. However, this figure is lower than that for other European countries. According to the study, the costs of gambling are a combination of reduced quality of life, increased costs of treatment and debt counseling, and diminished productivity. Furthermore, increased societal costs are not directly proportional to the size of the gambling problem, and are transferred from one problem category to another.
Problems associated with gambling
While gambling can be an enjoyable pastime, it can also cause serious problems for a family. It has been shown that the presence of a gambling family member increases the risk of violence or abuse in the home. Even family members can become perpetrators of violence if a member of the family develops a problem with gambling. Problem gambling can also affect the health and well-being of a family, resulting in financial strains and family conflicts.
Studies of problem gambling in young adults have indicated that it is more prevalent among adolescents and young adults. Researchers in the UK have found that the number of young people who develop gambling problems increases with age. The reason is that young people have lower levels of executive function and cognitive maturity, resulting in increased risk-taking behaviors. In addition to gambling, these young people have access to more options, including online gaming, fixed odds terminals, and in-play betting.
Ways to stop gambling
There are many ways to stop gambling, from writing down your thoughts to using progressive muscle relaxation. You can also journal about the triggers that push you to gamble. Do you gamble when you’re stressed, bored, or need an escape? If so, you should consider ways to cope with these triggers. If you’ve found yourself unable to stop gambling on your own, you can contact the NCPG hotline. You can get advice and read the stories of other problem gamblers who have overcome the temptation.
The first step in stopping gambling is to recognise the triggers and find healthy replacements. Some healthy activities you can take up instead include exercise, shopping, dining out, cooking, renting a movie, reading, or whatever activity you enjoy. Whatever you do, make sure that you make time to recover from the urge to gamble. Often, people need time to recognize the problem and change their lifestyle. If the problem is serious, it’s best to seek professional help.