Gambling involves risking money or material goods on an uncertain event whose outcome is determined by chance. This could be the roll of a dice, a spin of a roulette wheel, the result of a race or an unexpected event. It is an activity that is often associated with excitement and entertainment, and has the potential to generate dopamine in the brain (see also the section on impulsivity). For many people it provides a source of pleasure and serves as an alternative to more mundane activities such as watching TV or shopping. It can be a social activity that brings together groups of people, or it can offer an opportunity for learning and skill development. For example, the game of blackjack can involve a complex strategy and requires concentration and memory. In addition, it is a popular method of fundraising on the part of charities, with bingo and casino nights raising millions of pounds each year.
However, gambling has the potential to be harmful for some people. Problem gambling is associated with harm to physical and mental health, relationships, work and study performance and can lead to debt and even homelessness. It can also contribute to suicide. Public Health England estimates that problem gambling may account for around 400 deaths per year.
In a similar way that drugs must undergo impartial tests before they can be sold to the public, we should require that gambling products are tested for safety. Moreover, the promotion of gambling and its opportunities should be carefully regulated to prevent “dark nudges”, which exploit cognitive biases and enhance normalization of the product.
