Gambling Problems

     

The following is a summary of the information I found compelling in the study produced by the National Gambling Impact Study Commission released in 1999.

According to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission report, 3 million people in the United States are lifetime pathological gamblers. In addition, 7.8 million people are considered lifetime problem gambler, with another 15 million are at risk to becoming problem gamblers. Furthermore, in 1997 more than $50 billion was spent on legal gambling.

The study found that gambling increases debt and bankruptcies, with casinos extending billions in credit to its patrons. Casinos also encourage cash advances (by providing ATM's) on credit cards while charging excessive transaction fees. 1 out of every 5 pathological gamblers identified in the study had declared bankruptcy.

Although social costs of gambling have been difficult to measure, there is no doubt that the costs are staggering. The study estimates that pathological and problem gamblers cost society $5 billion dollars per year, not to mention all the anguish and pain caused to family members.

Pathological and problem gamblers are found in every demographic and their gambling problems contribute to divorce, abuse, crime, financial problems, and suicide.

Gamblers Anonymous has a self assessment of twenty questions. I also offer an assessment using the same questions used by the NGISC.

Although the NSISC's website is no longer available, there are many links to the final report; here is one: Gambling Study. *Update: The entire original NGISC website is archived here NGISC.