...if there are no casinos around, then compulsive gambling is no longer a disease

Although this article contains numerous inaccuracies, it offers an interesting perspective of an Industry that only exists because it creatres New Gamblers and New Gambling Addicts.

What the Gambling Addiction Statistics Really Mean

According to gambling addiction statistics, over $500 billion are spent on gambling wager annually. It also shows that in any given year, about 3 percent of men and women in United States are problem gamblers. [This differs from the Gambling Industries own statistics.]

This addiction is seen more among white Americans and Asians than African American and Latinos. Statistics has also shown that 80 percent of Americans has gambled at some point in their lives. In the research itself about 2.5 million American as young as 20 years of age, (maybe younger) are compulsive gamblers, and 160 millions has some kind of gambling problems.

An addict gets irritated when attempting to stop, he bets more money and frequently. They lose focus and the wager gets bigger and more frequent, and each time, hoping for a win..this will be the last game. They are out of control, they use their credit card, debit card, and any available funds they can get their hands on..and nothing, in spite of the consequences, more bets, more funds until it is all gone. Some don’t even stop there, they borrow from loan sharks and repaying is not even an option, just imagine how he feels.

Gambling is a disease that could cost major disruption in anyone’s life. Even if a person does not gamble, anyone associated with an addict will have a devastating experience as well. In most cases, when gambling, alcohol and drugs are being consumed, which reveals statistically that alcoholism is connected with problem gambling. Addicts lose focus, mentally and physically, which then leads to another mental problem such as depression, personality and mood swing disorder. One get restless, irritable, and are no longer in control of his/her life, which mounts to a very serious consequence. You will lose your family, and your job performance deteriorates and sooner or later you get terminated.

Gambling are legal in 48 states. Cruise ships has some type of gambling available for adults as well. Casinos are producing billions of dollars in revenues and employs thousands of employees around United States. That all sounds really great. Is this something to be proud of? As we have mentioned , millions of Americans are compulsive gamblers who has experienced disruption in their lives at one time or the other. People have lost their house and family, even jobs, and though we all know that gambling creates a problem, not very many likes to talks about it. If a Hollywood stars or a famous athlete gambles thousands of dollars, the media writes about it. News cast has something to talk about , but what about Joe Blow, does he not count? Does he not deserve help?

We know that there are treatments available for problem gambler. These treatment could be phsychotheraphy or prescription medication such as an anti-depressant. Phone numbers get posted everywhere for an addict to call for help. Support system and “Gambling Anonymous” are also available through out the country.

But how can you help someone who does not admit to themselves that they are addicted to gambling? What does an addict say when he calls for help on the phone. Hello, my name is Joe Blow and I am a compulsive gambler, now, what is the next step. Do you stay on the phone and talk to Joe Blow so he will not go back to the casino? People with this problem has a very weak self esteem . This could only result in recovery if they accept the fact that they have a serious gambling illness. It is hard to understand how these treatments can help an addict. But I am not a doctor and all I can say is, if there are no casinos around, then compulsive gambling is no longer a disease.