Although many individuals participate in gambling as a social activity, a small percentage of those who gamble experience negative personal, family and financial impacts. These effects can be long-lasting, even after the person stops gambling. In addition, they can have ripple effects that affect other people in their lives. The term “problem gambling” encompasses both addiction and compulsive gaming.

A common misconception is that gambling companies are one-man shows, but they actually employ a large number of people, from dealers and odds compilers to marketing professionals and public relations staff. In order for a gambling business to operate, it must generate enough revenue and profit margins to sustain itself. This is only possible if it attracts a sufficient number of customers and maintains a sufficiently high turnover rate.

While it is easy to quantify economic costs and benefits, it is more difficult to determine the impact of social impacts on gamblers and their significant others. Some researchers have used health-related quality of life weights, also known as disability weights (DW), to uncover the major negative impacts of problem gambling that cannot be evaluated in monetary terms.

For those who have a gambling problem, treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can explore how beliefs about gambling are formed and can change unhealthy thinking patterns. It is also helpful to join a support group, such as Gamblers Anonymous, which can help you connect with others who have the same problem and provide guidance on how to cope. In addition, couples counseling and other types of psychotherapy can also be useful.