If you are addicted to gambling and cannot control your urges to play, it’s time to get help. If you’re not sure where to turn for help, there are a number of free and confidential services available to you. You can talk to a counsellor at any time and seek help for your problem.
Problems with legalized gambling
While there are many benefits to legalized gambling, it can also create problems for society. The expansion of gambling has been linked to increased gambling-related crime, social problems, and economic costs. Problem gambling is one of the most common problems associated with legalized gambling, but it also has a host of social consequences, including job loss and poor health.
Polling data shows that nearly half of adults in the United States think legalized gambling has a negative impact on their families and communities. Meanwhile, over two-thirds think gambling causes cheating. Further, a majority of adults believe that legalized sports betting leads to cheating.
Addiction to gambling
Addiction to gambling is a dangerous condition that can ruin a person’s life. This type of addiction is often hidden and it is hard for those around the person to identify. Many people struggle with this disease, but there is help available. Addiction specialists advise that those suffering from gambling addictions should seek professional help as soon as possible. The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. By doing so, you remove the excuses you use to justify your behavior and shift your focus toward appropriate treatment.
While admitting to a gambling problem can be challenging, it is essential to begin the healing process. A mental health professional can help you with the process by asking questions about your behavior and the underlying mental health problems that may be causing your gambling problem. An initial assessment will determine whether your problem is a severe one or not, and if you need additional services.
Legality of sports gambling
Since 1992, sports betting has been illegal in the United States. This ban is called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). However, recent developments have thrown the legality of sports gambling back into the spotlight. Most notably, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver declared his support for legalizing sports gambling in a November New York Times op-ed. This bold move breaks with the traditional stance of major sports leagues, who have historically opposed all forms of gambling.
Legalizing sports gambling would have many positive benefits. First, it would bring in substantial revenues to state governments. Depending on the state, this revenue could be as much as $2 billion annually. This would be enough to fund schools, roads, and other social projects.
Impact of pathological gambling on individuals and families
While pathological gambling can be a source of financial loss, it can also have detrimental effects on individuals and families. Pathological gamblers are at risk of acquiring stress-related illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and peptic ulcer disease. They also face increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. In addition, they may exhibit signs of impulsivity and impaired decision-making. These symptoms may negatively impact a person’s social life.
Research on pathological gambling is limited, but it is important to note that this disorder may have a significant impact on the lives of affected individuals and their families. Although there is no direct evidence that pathological gambling causes homelessness, some cities have conducted surveys that showed gambling as a risk factor for homelessness. The Boston study, for example, reported a pathological gambling prevalence rate of 5.5% among homeless individuals. Future research will be necessary to better understand the relationship between homelessness and pathological gambling. However, clinicians working with homeless populations should be aware of the risks and should screen for the disorder.
