Should You Indulge in Gambling?

Gambling has a long unbroken history over the ages. It's history is checkered with the lives of people who used it to swindle others, and the lives of those who were destroyed by it.

In fact, it is the oldest technique used by many to loosen other people's wallets. Statistics show that about six percent of adults that are involved in gambling are severely addicted to it.

People who are hooked on gambling have the insatiable urge to bet on almost anything from racehorses, card games, cockfights and the casino. As the reach of the casinos expands even further, we expect to see this number rising.

Scams are commonplace within the casino. The lure of high payouts and promising odds are placed prominently to attract people who are looking at earning a quick and easy fortune.

The hard, cold fact is that gamblers waste much of their time, and finances, in the slim hopes of winning. Unfortunately, for them, they don't give up easily, always believing in better odds the next time around.

Studies show that gambling problems can easily occur in individuals with little or no self control or discipline. It is necessary for a compulsive gambler to admit first that they have a problem, so it can be identified and acted upon promptly.

Here are some questions one should ask to detect if there is a problem:

• When you lose money, be it a small or a large amount, do regret it, or feel resentment?
• When you win, do you have a strong desire to win more, therefore you want to go back?
• When you lose, do you feel a need to go back very soon?
• Do you spend a lot of time gambling, usually longer than what you planned?
• If you have problems, do you gamble to forget them?
• Are you spending more time gambling than with work?
• Do you play until your very last dollar is gone?
• Do arguments take place between you and your family over your need to gamble?
• To finance your gambling, do you borrow money from friends or associates?

Gambling addiction can be destructive. Family relations, friendships and your reputation are at risk. It is a condition that oftentimes goes ignored.

Gambling as an escape seems to affect seventy five percent of women from their thirties and up. Usually the reasons for gambling is to escape from the emotional pain that they are in, from being bored, feeling lonely, or depressed or the belief that they can control their gambling habits.

Gamblers who crave action and excitement are much more difficult to deal with. Most are men, and gambling creates a thrill that result in positive feedback and psychological addiction, even withdrawal should they stop for a few days. This addiction is much harder to cure, since the individual will simply deny the addiction, when confronted. They will typically not stop until they're bankrupt.

In recent times, it seems more and more people are drawn to as a pastime, or even as family recreation. Also, many people entertain vain hopes of winning a huge amount of money. Despite the fact that the odds of most gambling games are stacked against the player, many people still continue to gamble.