The Benefits of Gambling
Gambling has been in existence since time immemorial. Whether regulated or unregulated, gambling remains to be a part of our social and cultural life. Although much has been said about problems brought about by gambling, there is such a thing as "healthy gambling" which can be beneficial to one's psychological and sociological well-being.
Healthy gambling means knowing one's chances of winning as well as losing, gambling within one's budget, and experiencing the pleasure of gambling within a low risk situation.
Combined with the right attitude, gambling can be a great source of entertainment. It is a great stress-relieving medium and has proven to be beneficial for people of all ages. People experience an intense excitement and a natural high with gambling.
A Yale University study has shown that gambling for fun has valuable psychological benefits for senior citizens. The survey has been conducted on seniors aged sixty-five years old and above. The results have been shown in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
The study presents a comparison of the gamblers versus non-gamblers. Results indicate that the gamblers are less prone to alcohol abuse, depression, bankruptcy and imprisonment." One of the reasons for this is that retired people who remain active in the community and who constantly engage in social activities live happier and healthier lives despite their age. Gambling gives these seniors the opportunity for more social interactions.
Other than the social aspect of gambling, the most important benefit for retired seniors is that gambling offers an opportunity for them to continuously exercise their brain. A healthy mental state coupled with an active social life can do wonders for healthy aging.
An alternative to gambling on casinos is online gambling. Research has shown that online bingo has significant benefits particularly in improving the gambler's memory and cognitive abilities.
The Psychology Department of Southampton University conducted a research in 2002 on the benefits of gambling. Bingo in particular was found to be helpful in improving concentration and short-term memory. Gambling was more beneficial as compared with crossword puzzles and backgammon.
Since gambling involves risks, it can teach the player to learn on how to deal with real-life risks.
Gambling has also provided benefits to the community. No doubt it has provided more jobs and in countries where gambling has been legalized and is controlled by the government, it has given the community more revenues, donations and sponsorships.
Gambling, as long as done right and with the right attitude, can bring benefits to the individual as well as to the society as a whole.