Gambling can be one of the most thrilling and exciting forms of entertainment. People are putting something real on the line, their hard earned money! Walk through a casino and watch players nearly rip out their hair, or jump around elated at a big win. Our society (sadly) practically revolves around money these days and it’s the driving force behind so many of peoples life decisions
Before you go and say that gambling is the route of all evil, realize that when played within your limits, its just another form of entertainment. Much like people spending money at a night club, or going to the movies; they do it as it’s something that they enjoy. With that said we realize that gambling can get out of hand and effect people’s lives. But the same can be said about drinking alcohol, smoking cigarette’s and even driving fast cars. Heck, many people have lost their livelihoods on bad stock picks or extending themselves when buying a home that they couldn’t afford; although you’d never see an help group for people buying expensive houses.
Casino players are all grown ups (or at least by law, they should be) and capable of making your own decisions. Everyone has made a bad decision at one time or another in their lives and with an online casino that could be hitting the deposit button once too often. It becomes a problem when you gamble beyond your means and it start to negatively impact your life and family – and at that point we say, What the Hell is Wrong with You?
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact your local Gamblers Anonymous. On their website they list 20 questions that can help you identify whether you have a problem, here are those questions:
1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry, trouble, boredom or loneliness?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
Gamblers Anonymous identifies that to be a problem gambler you must answer YES to at least 7 of the questions. If you answer YES to less than 7 but still feel you have a problem visit their website and they can provide some help.