Gambling addiction affect only a small minority of the population whose constraints should not affect the millions of players responsible. Gambling may increase due to the freestanding game environment on the Internet. The Internet provides a free-standing gambling atmosphere, because there is no tangible representation of money, such as chips, not won or lost on the Internet. As a result, players can track how much money is won or lost to lose and can play beyond their means.
Compulsive gamblers often lose their life savings, homes, businesses, families, friends and more, as they are driven from their addiction. They often steal from those they love. Gambling addiction is not as good as other addictions like drugs, alcohol and smoking recognized, but the opportunities for gambling continues to grow. With the rapid development of new media such as the Internet and interactive television, the drug is likely to be more widespread and affect many more people than it already does so. Compulsive gamblers imagine themselves leading a pleasant gracious life, made by the vast sums of money they of their “system” accrues possible. Servants, penthouses, nice clothes, charming friends, yachts, and world tours are a few of the wonderful things around the corner, after a big win is finally equal.
Problem gambling is an issue that affects all age groups, genders, ethnicities and races. However, new immigrants specific risk factors, they more prone to developing problems, if they can make play.
Pathological gambling and gambling addiction affect about 5 to 15 million Americans and are common in young people. The community-minded family doctor is in a good position to identify and assist patients who have gambling-related problems and thereby prevent or treat the resulting personal, family and social disruption. Pathological gambling, as it is sometimes called, occurs in 1 to 2 percent of the adult population in the United States, while prices rise by 4 to 8 percent for college students. Arnie Wexler, a recovering compulsive gambler, has not placed a bet since 1968.
