Gambling in the United States

Gambling in the United States

Gambling has increased in the last couple of years. Is it because people are addicted? There are two types of gambling: Compulsive Gambling and pathological gambling. Compulsive Gambling is when people have a hard time resisting to gamble. Pathological Gambling is when there is a need to gamble for money or for large amounts of money. Also people don’t know when to quit when they are pathological gamblers. Both types of gambling have major side effects, and can both lead to serious gambling problems.

“Studies show that 82% of people gamble. In 1975 only 61% gambled (Richard E. Vatz).” Gambling has increased rapidly in the United States. Many Americans who gamble often lose more than they win. It is a bad habit that many people develop. As people are young the gamble for fun, as It carries on some may become addicted, and can become a “Pathological or Compulsive” Gambler.

“One third of Problem gamblers who receive treatment for compulsive gambling also received treatment for either chemical dependency or mental health problems (Lee S. Weinberg).” This is why people don’t know when to quit because some may have mental problems. If someone has a gambling problem, it is a serious behavior disorder that can cause psychological, financial, emotional, marital, and legal difficulties. Gambling effects peoples lives and families, not just the person who is gambling.

There are many signs when people have gambling problems. “When you start to gamble more and more money each time out to gamble, spending more time gambling rather then with your family or at your job, continuing to gambling even though you keep on losing, bragging about wins and not about losses, people may have different mood swings, and gambling for a long period of time ( Richard E. Vatz).” Families may see these signs with a family member who gambles excessively. There are help lines to call if there is a problem.

Bratz 2

Gambling