On the Shoulders of Merton

Robert Merton’s theoretical formulations of unintended consequences provide a useful framework for understanding the potential consequences of problem gambling policy. More generally, a sociological perspective on mental illness perspective brings a particular insight to the field of gambling studies. Based on the current understanding of problem gamblers’ careers, one can speculate on a number of instances in which policies intended to help this population can actually exacerbate matters. Because of this potentiality, the field of problem gambling should both (a) engage the concept of unintended consequences in the sociological, Mertonian sense and (b) attempt to incorporate theory and research whenever possible to better understand the potential for such consequences.