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| Do You Love To Gamble? Have You Reached The Desperate Phase? |
| By : Ajit Hari Sahu | Previous | Next |
| Posted on : 01 Jan, 2006 | Total Views : 354 |
Why do people gamble? What makes people throw away their hard earned money on mere chance? In all other facets of life, people want the best deal for their money. They want quality product at the lowest price possible. Then why do the same people risk large, or small, amounts of money on a dream? Casinos , illegal bookmakers, and even the lottery simply sell a dream. Every other industry must provide a product upon payment, and said product must undergo harsh scrutiny.
Avid gamblers go through three phases: the winning phase, the losing phase and the desperation phase. In the winning phase, the gambling enhances self-image and friends and/or family members are often supportive until they observe the amount of time and energy the gambler is devoting to gambling. This stage is by far the most glorious, and usually the gambler at this point is surrounded by other gamblers. Suggestions that the gambler cease the habit are met with resistance and resentment. The gambler most always refutes the concern, as in this phase, the winning attitude creates the illusion of infallibility. This illusion is soon smashed.
During the losing phase, the gambler experiences prolonged losing periods, constantly thinks about gambling, and becomes careless about the welfare of loved ones. They get into heavy legal and illegal borrowing, and turn to friends and family members for loans in order to have the money to continue gambling. The gambler withdraws from friends and relatives not involved in gambling or not providing them with handouts. The frequency of lying, which goes hand in hand with this addiction, will add to the feelings of distress for family members and will eventually destroy whatever trust they had in the gambler.
The final phase, the desperation phase occurs as the compulsive gambler becomes obsessed with getting even to cover stolen money, hidden withdrawals from family bank accounts, and secret loans. The gambler panics at the thought that the gambling action will cease if the credit or loans stop. Mood swings often become more severe, suicidal tendencies occur, and even suicide attempts are not uncommon. The family also suffers greatly through fears of destitution, legal repercussions, and the loss of the gambler’s health or even life.
Experts say gambling at colleges and universities has reached epidemic proportions and that an ever-larger pool of children from the elementary grades through high school are turning to dice, cards, lotteries, and - if they can get in - casinos as a perceived ticket to prestige and fortune.
Today’s youth have not known life without casinos and lotteries. Consequently, they see the “benefits” more than the consequences. Stories about big time winners, scholarship programs, parks and recreation facilities, and schools supported by lottery proceeds are a constant reminder of the positive aspects of gambling.
Written By : Ajit Hari Sahu
