Compulsive gambling is a costly addiction with serious financial impacts on individuals, families, communities, and the national economy. 

Although research in the field is still needed, there is clear evidence that the social effects of compulsive gambling, though challenging to quantify, are real, particularly to those who experience consequences. Compulsive gambling and related outcomes are generally measured by the effects on individuals, whereas the benefits and costs associated with the economic factors are often reported in terms of community impacts.

The most recent national study, completed in 1998 by the National Opinion Research Council (NORC), under contract with the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, revealed that overall, problem and compulsive gamblers in the United States cost society approximately $5 billion per year and an additional $40 billion in lifetime costs for productivity reductions, social services, and creditor losses. (Note: The NORC report focused on a small number of concrete consequences and, as a result, its calculations are conservative and reflect minimums.)

Little is definitively known as to the economic effects of problem gambling or the financial impacts and costs associated with debt, insurance, medical payments, or cost factors to employers or the criminal justice system. Though research has documented that compulsive gambling has an impact in the workplace, and on the physical and mental health of individuals, information compiled to date is limited in scope.

Similarly, research has shown that many compulsive gamblers suffer from alcohol, drug, and mental health-related problems, and have a higher rate of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and completed suicides than persons suffering from other addictive and mental health disorders. They are also more likely to exhaust personal finances and to participate in illegal activity.

• Studies have concluded that two out of three compulsive gamblers commit illegal acts in order to pay gambling-related debts or to continue gambling.

• According to published reports, the percentage of prison inmates who have gambling problems appears to be much greater than the general population.

• The families of problem gamblers suffer greatly and experience physical and psychological abuse, as well as harassment and threats from bill collectors and creditors. Increased stresses stemming from neglect, abuse, and divorce also impact heavily on this population. Further, as compulsive gambling leads to numerous credit card and legal problems, including bankruptcy, embezzlement, and fraud, families are often the first to feel the adverse effects.

• Compounding a gambling problem is the ease in which a gambler can obtain or access credit and file bankruptcy. It is unknown as to how many compulsive gamblers are unemployed or present in homeless shelters, food pantries, or to health and human service agencies seeking government supports.

According to Research conducted in Florida, problem and compulsive gamblers across age groups use tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and drugs more often than other populations. They are also more likely than others to:

• Drink alcohol at greater levels

• Engage in illicit behavior

• Experience depression, arrest, or treatment for a drug or alcohol problem

• Have difficulties with family members or friends at higher rates than others

• Sell personal or family property, steal, buy or sell stolen property or “borrow” money from friends or acquaintances without their knowing in order to obtain money to gamble or to pay off gambling debts

Data collected by the FCCG HelpLine in 2006-2007 reveals that 75% of problem gamblers are in debt due to gambling, 15% of who owe $60,000 or more. Nearly 10% are unemployed, approximately 15% have filed bankruptcy at least once, and 25% have committed illegal acts due to gambling. 

Finally, the non-payment of debt affects the entire national economy.