The Issues of Gambling

The Issues of Gambling

Gambling is taking risks in the hope of gaining an advantage or benefit. Gambling has been a problem all over the world. "Gambling has been called a way of buying hope on credit" (Hyde15). It has become one of the fastest growing industries in the United States (Hyde16). There are many issues for gambling. One of the issues for gambling is the addicted people from gambling. Another issue is the teen gambling. And last issue is the illegal gambling. These three main issues have caused bad habits for many people across the world.

Current estimates suggest that three percent of the adult population will experience a serious problem with gambling that will result in significant debt, family disruption, job losses, criminal activity or suicide (Pathological Gambling 1). The progression of gambling has three phases: the winning phase, the losing phase, and the desperation phase (Custer3). The winning phase causes them to want to do more. Then the losing phase they start losing money and borrowing it. They have trouble paying off debts. The desperation phase occurs when you start blaming others and eluding family and friends. Then may experience hopelessness, acts of suicidal, divorce, drug, and the list goes on (Custer3). Pathological gambling affects the gamblers, their families, their employers and the community (Custer).

Over 90% people have gambled in their mid-teens (Encarta). Not everyone who gambles will become a compulsive gambler, but for a small percentage, gambling becomes a serious problem (Hyde 63). Sometimes families encourage gambling. This can lead to trouble without the family's even realizing it, says Hyde. This trouble has caused many teenagers are being drawn to gambling. Researchers say that addiction to gambling is growing fast among high school and college students. Afternoon poker games, sports betting and participation in sweepstakes, 50-50 drawings and casino nights provide a "stamp of approval." Like with alcohol and drugs, young people see people they respect engaged in these activities and deem them to be acceptable. When an opportunity to gamble presents itself, they are often more open and accepting of it (Custer). There are many organizations that are efforts for young people to prevent gambling (Hyde71).

"The percentages on gambling per year are comparable to what Americans spend on dentistry, health clubs,