It is possible to make positive impacts of gambling on society while also making negative impacts on a gambler. There are numerous ways to do this, including by educating children about the probability of winning and comparing these odds to other chances, such as being struck by lightning or winning the lottery. It is also possible to explain to children that gambling companies have to make more money than gamblers to stay in business. For many people, gambling can provide a fun and exciting way to deal with boredom and stress.
The external effects of gambling are numerous and can be classified by economic, labor, and health and well-being. While the economic impact is obvious, there is also an interpersonal and community level impact. The latter is often unrecognized. Moreover, the effects of gambling can extend over a lifetime and even to future generations. In the long run, gambling has both positive and negative impacts on society. This is why research into the impacts of gambling should be conducted on all three levels.
However, there are some studies which show that the negative impacts of gambling can extend beyond individuals and can affect small businesses as well. These studies typically focus on professional poker players and not on the general population. Hence, it is important to understand the negative impacts of gambling on society in the context of an area before applying it to a specific population. It is important to remember that the effects of gambling are much more profound when compared to areas with no gambling at all.