Gambling may seem like a fun activity, but its dark side could negatively impact you or someone you love in many ways. Therefore, it’s essential to remain aware of its dangers and the possible repercussions it can bring into your life.
Brian interviews Sam Skolnik about his book High Stakes: The Rising Cost of America’s Gambling Addiction. Their conversation explores the complex issues surrounding gambling expansion as well as the need for further research, critical journalism and support services within this industry.
Problem gambling
Gambling can become an increasing hazard when people lose control over their spending, leading them to gamble more than is healthy for themselves, their relationships with friends and family, or leading them down an irreversible financial path.
At times, gambling debts or the desire to acquire money may lead to criminal activity.
Problem gambling can have serious financial repercussions that can include bankruptcy and disruption to relationships.
While gambling has been legalized in numerous countries worldwide, there remains an urgent need for more research on its impacts. Prior studies focused on benefits and costs to communities rather than individual families due to difficulties associated with measuring such complex issues like gambling.
Organized crime
Organized crime is defined as “an organized and systematic effort to commit illegal acts for financial or other material gain, through both direct and indirect channels.
Organized crime often has links with illegal gambling activities. For example, during a recent operation in Hong Kong police arrested over 800 suspects suspected of participating in a triad-controlled bookmaking syndicate which allegedly laundered its profits via illegal gambling locations like shoe repair shops and Italian social clubs.
Organized crime poses an urgent risk to international security, siphoning billions from countries worldwide while having serious repercussions for democratic institutions, public health and economic stability.
Compulsive gambling
Compulsive gambling occurs when it becomes hard to resist or control impulses to gamble, leading to serious money issues, job loss, criminal behavior or fraud, as well as damaged family relationships.
At times, mental health conditions such as substance misuse issues, personality disorders, depression or anxiety may contribute to these feelings of agitation. Furthermore, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder could all play a part in contributing to symptoms associated with this syndrome.
Compulsive gambling typically starts in early adolescence for men and between the ages 20-40 for women. Stressful situations may exacerbate this behavior further.
If you have a gambling issue, seeking help should be of top priority. Treatment options could include therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments to help stop its progression and stop unhealthful gambling behaviors that lead to financial, work and relationship challenges.
Community revitalization
Many communities struggle to build and sustain vibrant neighborhoods, yet connecting residents and businesses in order to foster social engagement. One solution could be creative placemaking or revitalization using arts and culture-inspired strategies as means of community development.
Public art projects and artistic events can enhance the appearance of neighborhoods while drawing in visitors from beyond, providing local businesses with customers and money. Public art projects also help reinforce cultural heritage in communities while giving residents a sense of belonging.
Problem gambling negatively impacts communities through its effects on individuals, society/community and economy – which often go undetected or are underreported – such as both financial and non-financial costs associated with it and potential causes for problem gambling.