Problem gambling, a form of impulse control disorder, has caused intense misery among individuals and families. The problem is so complicated and deep-seated that it has become a societal menace, not just an ordinary medical disorder.
Some gambling, such as bingo, stock market speculation, and betting on games, can be considered as “subtle.” But some ways to gamble are not so subtle. In fact, casino games, lottery tickets, betting on horse races, and slot machines are good examples of “hardcore” gambling and may pose an insidious danger.
Whether the method is subtle or not, the consequences are the same —significant financial losses, emotional problems, and family difficulties.
Fact 1 About one-third of problem gamblers are females. Perhaps because of stigma, they represent only 2 – 4% of those who attend Gamblers Anonymous (GA). The problem happens later in life among women, while early adolescence in men.
Fact 2 In Canada, the gaming industry generates about $14 billion in revenues. This explains why slot machines have spread across the country. For instance in Ontario, majority of its racetracks has thousands of these machines, ready to gobble up everyone’s excess change, extra savings, or borrowed money.
Fact 3 In 2005, those with gambling problem in Canada and Ontario spent 21% of their personal income, that 3.4% of adults had significant gambling problem. Furthermore, 5.8% of adults and 4% of high school students were “at risk” to develop gambling addiction. Based on this data, if theoretically high schools across Canada will graduate 10, 000 students, 400 of them are at risk. Scary figure!
Fact 4 Gambling problem may result in higher rates of suicide, depression, marital and family problems, bankruptcy, and job loss. When family members especially parents become gamblers, many children suffer under the weight of neglect, conflict, violence, and financial crisis.
Fact 5 Financial catastrophe brought by gambling addiction put communities at risk for crimes such as robbery. Some steal and con friends and co-workers just to gain the necessary funds to play the game, significantly increasing their chance of imprisonment. Those who try to “chase” their losses borrow money from loved ones and subsequently incur unpaid, mounting debts.
Fact 6 Gambling online has substantially grown since 1995 when the first online casino opened. Now, many forms of gambling and betting have been accessible in many gambler’s home. There’s no need to book a flight or a hotel room just to feel the excitement and thrill of Vegas. Through internet, casinos are within reach. And so the financial and social effects of gambling are just seconds away.
Gambling addiction, like any disorder, needs to be recognized and addressed early. If left to flourish without intervention, such dependency can destroy many young, promising lives and families.
True. It provides almost unlimited, necessary revenues into government coffers.
The public however should be aware that gambling’s risk to society is unimaginable.
How can it benefit us if families and communities lose their souls?