I hear the words "I have a Problem Gambling and now I lost everything I worked for" everyday from people around the world through their emails. I am amazed that only a year ago things seem to be less dramatic then they are right now when it comes to gambling addictions. The accelerated growth in this addiction is paralleled to the growth in the gaming industry. A significant amount of our population has now been exposed to this industry. Now that people are addicted to gambling, what should we do? This is a very difficult question to answer but I believe education and awareness to help those inflicted with this hideous addiction. I have received several emails from people who believe their solutions would help decrease the accelerated growth of those addicted to gambling. The following are examples of those emails: Outlaw all forms of gambling. Regulate the gaming industry Remove all ATM machines from gambling establishments especially casinos that have slot machines. No check cashing at the casinos No alcohol allowed in casinos Gambling establishments should not be allowed to use the postal service to send incentives for people to come to their place to gamble. No large billboard advertising. No commercials or sponsoring of the local news. The above email comments are from those to have suffered due to gambling. It's not only the gambler but their family and friends who have also been negatively affected. Remember these words "I have a problem gambling and I have lost everything I worked for", because this could be you. If you even have the slightest notion you have a problem gambling, face it straight on and you have a chance to recover before you lose everything you have worked so hard for. If you are one of the ones who have lost everything, you can rebuild your life and move forward. There are so many people who have walked in your shoes. I know this is very painful, but each day will get brighter and brighter. The good news is there is hope for people to recover from this addiction. |
