Gambling correlates with risk and reward, has been an aspect of human civilization for thousands of years, and its impacts on multiple civilizations were such that they have been seen in both beneficial and damaging light.
Gambling has roots in ancient societies, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. In many of these societies, gambling was part of religious ceremonies and rituals well into the future. During the Roman period, gambling was a form of entertainment in which even public works were financed.
The Benefits of Gambling
Economic Growth: Gambling can create economic growth due to governments receiving revenue from gambling, along with an economic boost in tourism and hospitality jobs.
Social Interaction: Casinos and other gambling establishments may provide a place where people can meet and thus be a source of interaction or socialization.
Amusement/Recreation: Gambling for some may be entertainment and a break.
The Evils of Gambling
Addiction: Gambling is addictive and through that addiction has financially, relationally, and even mentally destroyed many people.
Crime: Money laundering and loan sharking are just two of many crimes due to or involving gambling.
Social Issues: Excessive gambling could lead to poverty and homeless conditions, to name a few.
Balancing the Scales
Governments and other regulatory bodies also try to balance their raising revenues from gambling with controls to minimize the negative impacts on their citizens. These controls include licensing, regulation of casinos, lotteries, and other facilities where gambling is conducted; responsible gambling campaigns; and programs that deal with compulsive and problem gamblers, providing treatments and counseling.
In the final analysis, gambling has had a complex, perhaps contradictory, role in human civilization as an economic tool, social interaction, and entertainment-on one side-exposing people to serious risks, which weighs significantly for vulnerable persons. A society may be able to exploit positive features of gambling and reduce negative impacts through a proper balance of regulation and responsible gambling practices.
