Principles for Gambling
The mentality is everywhere, so we like to take a step back and look at the benefits of gambling, and how lives are impacted. This led us to the following principles.
I lose.
Gambling occurs when we put our resources, life, family, relationships, at risk on games of chance.
Be aware of the desire to "Get Rich Quick."
Resist the "Get Rich Quick" mentality because before we know it we'll lose something.
The assumption that we'll be happy if we can "Get Rich Quick" is faulty.
Getting rich slowly, with hard work, is much better because we can appreciate it more, and make better decisions with money that is earned.
When people win the lottery their lives fall apart because they can't handle it.
When we put money into a hot stock tip or other investment without due diligence of study on it, we are gambling.
When we don't take care of things that need repair, such as on a car or home, and even more damage or impact could occur, we are gambling.
When playing a board game, try gambling on the game, and taking lots of risks, and just test these principles out.
Live within my means, so I don't get desperate and resort to gambling.
Facts are, out 50 million people who say, "If I win the lottery I'm outta here" there might be 1 that 'wins' but actually messes up their life.
Gambling is really an intelligence test on your understanding of probability.
From Washington State Council on Problem Gambling
www.wscpg.org/
GAMBLING
The American Psychiatric Association first recognized pathological gambling as a mental disorder by its inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in 1980. According to the clinical description, the basic features of the disorder are a continuous or periodic loss of control over gambling; a progression, in frequency and in the amounts wagered; a preoccupation with gambling and in obtaining monies with which to gamble; and a continuation of the behavior despite adverse consequences.
In simple terms, problem gambling can be defined broadly as patterns of gambling behavior that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. Pathological gambling is the most extreme form of problem gambling. It is characterized by the loss of control over gambling, chasing of losses, lies and deception, family and job disruption, financial bailouts and illegal acts.
Many problem gamblers suffer a higher significance of other addictive disorders, in particular alcohol and substance abuse. Furthermore, problem gamblers have high rates of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disease, and suffer very high suicide rates.
Many societal costs result from problem gambling. These include the breakdown of families, decreased productivity, increased criminal activity, and financial insolvencies. These problems place increased demands on social services.
PROBLEM GAMBLING IN WASHINGTON STATE
Residents of Washington State can participate in an number of legal gambling activities. These are: horse racing, punchboards and pulltabs, fund raising events such as casino nights, bingo, raffles, amusement games, contests of chance operated by charitable and nonprofit organizations, card rooms, the lottery, and casinos and bingo halls operated by Native American tribes.
The first comprehensive survey of problem gambling in Washington State was conducted in late 1992. This survey, funded by the lottery, examined the types of gambling, the amounts of money spent, and any problems resulting from gambling activity. The results were compared to other states in which similar studies had been conducted.
The key findings include:
91 percent of the respondents had gambled at some time in their lives. Of this number, up to 158,000 Washington State residents will become problem gamblers at some time in their lives, and up to 75,000 will become pathological gamblers. The study also indicated that up to 93,000 residents were current problem gamblers, and up to 49,000 were pathological gamblers.
A second study focused on problem gambling and adolescents. This study concluded that 83 percent of Washington State adolescents had participated in some form of gambling activity. Of these young gamblers, up to 33,000 were at risk for problem gambling, and up to 4,700 were already problem gamblers.
There are a limited number of mental health professionals in the state who have had specific training on the identification and treatment of compulsive gambling. Furthermore, there are no publicly or privately funded inpatient or outpatient treatment programs for compulsive gamblers in Washington. The nearest inpatient treatment program is located in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Most of the help available for problem gambling is provided by Gamblers Anonymous, a program patterned loosely after Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, the Washington State Council on Problem Gambling, which is partially funded by the Gambling Commission, provides a number of services. These services include: a toll-free information and referral hotline (funded by the State Lottery); public education and awareness; training of mental health professionals and others; and a newsletter to mental health professionals, community groups and others interested in the issue of problem gambling.
THE FUTURE
The occurrence of problem gambling is certain to remain a concern, and is likely to increase. There is a great need in Washington State for the expansion of training programs for mental health professionals, gaming industry representatives, criminal justice system personnel, and state agency personnel. Also, there is a need for increased public awareness and education programs on the subject of problem gambling. In addition, there is a great need for an increase in education and prevention programs specifically targeted for teenagers and young adults.
