Evaluating the social and economic costs of gambling is difficult. Most empirical work concentrates on monetary costs, which are the easiest to quantify. However, the social and environmental costs are harder to measure, and are often left out of calculations. This conceptual model identifies areas of research that are still under-researched, and can provide a basis for informed public policies.

Involvement

There are a number of factors that are thought to be related to involvement in gambling and the risk of developing a gambling disorder. Among these factors, frequency and intensity of gambling are closely related. The intensity of gambling may represent a more accurate measure of the risk of gambling disorders. Several studies have explored this relationship.

Involvement in gambling and problem gambling were associated with money spent on gambling. The intensity of gambling was measured by the amount of money and time spent on gambling. Those who were involved in gambling on a regular basis reported higher amounts of money and higher levels of intensity. This suggested that involvement in gambling is positively related to the risk of developing gambling problems.

Involvement in gambling and problem gambling are strongly linked. Problem gambling was more likely among those who had high involvement in one or two forms of gambling. The relationship between involvement and problem gambling is stronger in casino gambling than for other forms. The results suggest that problem gambling and high involvement are related, although it is unclear what factors actually drive this relationship.

Chance

When it comes to gambling, chances are that you’ll lose some of the money you spend. It’s important to understand this and budget for the losses. Chance-based gambling is like lottery tickets, gaming machines, and bingo. There’s equal chance of winning, but you need to know that the chances of winning are not deterministic.

Prize

A prize is an object of value that is won by winning a contest or game. It can be cash, an intangible object, or the right to do something. For example, a fishing competition may be a prize, while a sporting competition with a draw is a prize. The value of the prize depends on the nature of the competition, as well as the skill and knowledge of the participants.