Gambling is big business in America earning billions of dollars in net revenue annually. Americans spend more money each year on legal gambling than they do on video games, movie tickets, recorded music and spectator sports combined (Christiansen, 2000). Gambling is very attractive, especially to people who need money. According to 'Cash 'n' Curry Video Tragaperras' research center, people who make less than ten thousand dollars a year gamble six times more often than those who earn over fifty thousand dollars a year. A recent program on the Discovery Channel stated that gambling is so attractive, that when the powerball is high, ninety percent of eligible adults buy a ticket. There is no other commodity where the percentages are this high. The odds of winning a state lottery can be compared to being hit by lightening seven times while waiting in the lottery line.

Seventy years ago it was illegal to gamble anywhere in the United States. Our parents grew up thinking that gambling was morally wrong, but our children are growing up thinking that gambling is as easy as going to McDonald's. Today, all but three states permit gaming, and it's getting bigger all the time. For the first time in history, gambling is available close to home. People can walk to and from work and gamble. State governments actually encourage their citizens to gamble because it seems like an easy way to collect tax free money.

Most people who gamble enjoy gambling as a game; it's exciting and fun. But some citizens are caught up in an addiction as powerful as drug addiction.

The biggest step in treatment is realizing you have a problem with gambling. It takes tremendous strength and courage to own up to this, especially if you have lost a lot of money and strained or broken relationships along the way. Don’t despair, and don’t try to do it alone. Many others have been in your shoes and have been able to break the habit. Overcoming a gambling addiction or problem is never easy. But recovery is possible if you stick with treatment and seek support.

National Council on Problem Gambling 10 Questions About Gambling Behavior

1. Have you often gambled longer than you had planned?

2. Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?

3. Have thoughts of gambling have caused you to lose sleep?

4. Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?

5. Have you made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?

6. Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?

7. Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling?

8. Have you felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?

9. Have you been remorseful after gambling?

10. Have you gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?

If you or someone you know answers "Yes" to any of these questions, consider seeking assistance from a professional regarding this gambling behavior.