The impact of gambling on the environment is diverse and can be categorized into three classes: financial, interpersonal, and societal. Financial impacts include revenues, changes in value, and other aspects of economic activity. Social impacts involve the overall quality of life for individuals and communities, including the effect of gambling on social integration and connection. The effects on health include physical and psychological well-being. The effects of gambling on society can be felt on a variety of levels, but are most pronounced in small businesses.
Although gambling impacts are often underestimated, there are also benefits to society. A public health approach measures the effects of gambling across a spectrum from mild to severe. The cost-benefit analysis of gambling looks at the benefits and harms of gambling across all severity levels. The negative effects of gambling, including social and economic costs, are often neglected, since they are non-monetary. Fortunately, there are other benefits, such as reduced crime rates and increased tax revenue.
Gambling impacts on society are complex, but the effects can be measured and quantified using a conceptual model. Gambling impacts are measured on a variety of levels, including personal, societal, and environmental. While the impacts of gambling vary from individual to individual, they are usually categorized into two major categories: positive and negative. In addition to personal and interpersonal impacts, gambling impacts have a greater impact on society and community as a whole. They may span generations.
