The impacts of a gambling problem affect individuals, families and communities, with costs extending from creditors to the criminal justice system.

Most people who gamble can do so safely and without difficulty.  However, gambling is not a risk-free activity.  When gambling in excess, the onset of an addiction can result in serious to severe short and long-term difficulties.  In addition to affecting an individual's home life, financial status, career, education, social relationships, physical and emotional health, gambling problems also impact upon those closest to the gambler.  Moreover, businesses, local communities, the criminal justice system, social service organizations, and society as a whole are also significantly affected by problem and compulsive gambling.  Divorce, employee loss of productivity, bankruptcy, and crime are only a few of the many consequences that can occur.

While gambling may begin as a social activity, for many, it is a mental heath illness that progresses to at-risk, problem and pathological levels, each associated with varying degrees of difficulty. However, the positive news is that compulsive gambling is treatable for those who seek help.