Important Gambling Facts
There are many misconceptions about gambling. While it may seem like gambling is as harmless as buying cigarettes or alcohol, it’s far from it. Problem gamblers often started playing when they were young and have a poor self-control. The truth about gambling is that anyone who engages in any activity that involves wagering money is engaged in gambling. Often, problem gamblers report feeling restless and irritable when they’re not playing.
Despite the prevalence of this disorder, there are no clear-cut statistics on how many people are affected. One recent survey of college students showed that two out of every 100 showed symptoms of gambling problems. But even among these young adults, gambling is not as bad as many other stress-relief methods. In fact, many problem gamblers are successful and intelligent individuals. Despite these statistics, gambling is not a good idea for any individual.
The Free Trade and Processing Act of 1994 legalized gaming in Antigua and Barbuda. Microgaming is credited with establishing the first online casino. Several years later, online sports betting followed, starting with Intertops. As the gambling industry became more popular, online sports betting was next. Despite the fact that online sports betting began after casinos, it’s important to remember that gambling is still illegal in many places. But there are other interesting facts about the industry.
Despite the fact that problem gamblers are generally responsible and successful in their community, they are at a much higher risk of developing a gambling disorder than non-gamblers. Problem gamblers may even have a long history of responsible behavior. The fact that a gambling problem is a serious issue for people of all ages and walks of life makes it even more important to recognize it. And don’t forget that the majority of pathological gamblers also have other mental health or substance use problems. Alcoholism and drug use disorders are common among pathological gamblers. Sixty percent of them are nicotine dependent.
In fact, problem gambling is just as harmful to your mental and physical health as an addiction to alcohol. Alcohol is a substance, but gambling is about the loss of impulse control. Gamblers are more likely to engage in impulse-driven behavior, resulting in a loss of control. Many of these people are also addicted to alcohol. It’s difficult to tell if a gambling problem is related to a substance or not, but these statistics are helpful in making that determination.