I probably would have had fewer friends, and less of an outlet about being something of an outsider.
Mind you, gaming has not particularly helped or hurt my income. As for my social life, I have meet people with whom I can discuss history, mythology, and literature.
I have known gamers who are well off financially, and others who aren't. It is hard to make generalizations.
It is likely someone would have invented roleplaying games if Gygax and Arneson had not come along. However, I am glad that they did.