Gambling Addiction
Addie Sands
Gambling
I choose this topic because I wanted to know why people gamble even though they are in debt from it. I also found the topic interesting because I never thought of gambling as an addiction before completing research for this project.
The History
Gambling started in the 1600's and many of the games originated from Europe and China. The first known gambling house was in 1638 in Venice, Italy. There are many different types of gambling. For example, there is casino gambling with table games and electronic games. There is also gambling outside of a casino such as the lottery and scratch tickets.
Table Game
Ex. Black Jack, Poker
Electronic Game
Ex. Slots
Lottery
Ex. Scratch Tickets
The Addiction
A gambling addiction, also known as ludomania, can be caused by the sensation of "Getting Rich Quick". This sensation comes to the gamblers mind and affects their brain. It can become a harmful behavior for some people. They just can't stop gambling and continue to hold the idea of "what if I play one more time and win tons of money". A report by the National Council on Problem Gambling showed approximately one in five pathological gamblers attempts suicide. The Council also said suicide rates among pathological gamblers are higher than any other addictive disorder.
Treatments
Treatments for gambling addictions consist of counseling, step-based programs, self-help, peer/family support, and medication. A combination of these types of therapies can help. Not one treatment is considered to be the most effective and no medications have been approved for the treatment of pathological gambling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
United States
The United States is ranked #1 in the market for region casinos. Then by location, Las Vegas is ranked #2. There are over 900 casinos in the U.S. which is the largest amount in the world. No wonder people are addicted, its like they get brainwashed.
Parents
My parents gamble sometimes, so I asked them about their experience. I asked why they go to gamble and both my mom and step dad said, "for fun...entertainment". When they do go, they have a cretin amount of money and don't go over that amount. My mom said," I like the challenge of the game and the experience of the different people I play with. I also like observing the people I play with...their energy is intense".
Citation
- http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02443/gambling_jpg_2443274b.jpg
- http://www.islandvibesmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Casino-gambling.jpg
- http://www.hyyyy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Playing-Slots-in-Casinos.jpg
- http://new.probable-odds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/tickets-large.jpg
- http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tc7ziLF_9Hg/T1OMgjo7U5I/AAAAAAAACeA/gZuQ-TMY6kI/s1600/gambling%2Baddiction%2B2.jpg
- http://www.todayonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/photo_gallery_image_lightbox/public/17801944.JPG?itok=mAyKwGDI
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_gambling#Suicide_rate