The Dangers of Gambling
Whether you’re looking to gamble on a social level or to win money from an actual game, there are several reasons why gambling is a bad idea. The main reasons include the addictive nature of the game, the possibility of it becoming a ‘pathological’ activity, and the danger of gambling addiction. Fortunately, there are ways to combat the problems with gambling.
Legalized gambling
During times of fiscal crisis and economic downturns, states often expand their gambling laws. This allows them to raise additional revenue during the short-term and reduce the burden of the politicians. However, research literature suggests that gambling expansion has social costs.
One of the most common types of legalized gambling is state lotteries. In addition, there are various other types of legal gambling, including charitable gaming, card rooms, and Indian casinos. Currently, forty-four states operate lotteries, and many of these states also authorize additional forms of gambling.
Legalized gambling has grown in the United States gradually over the last four decades. In the past few years, six more states have legalized casino operations.
Illegal gambling
Whether you bet on the lottery, play a board game, or simply take a chance on a raffle, illegal gambling is a crime that can have serious ramifications. The penalties vary depending on the crime and the state in which it occurred. If you are charged with a gambling crime, it is important to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney who knows your state’s laws and local court system.
In addition to a plethora of federal criminal statutes, there are also many state laws to abide by. These laws vary in length, fines, and penalties. Depending on your situation, you could end up spending several months or even years in jail.
Social games
Despite the fact that many online social games are played on mobile devices, they are not gambling. They are part of a category known as casual gaming. A majority of these games are available on a free-to-play basis. These games typically involve simple tutorials and repetitive tasks.
Some of the leading gaming companies have a social game to their name, including Playtika, which started from a basement laundromat. In 2010, Playtika co-founder Robert Antokol acquired friends in a social gaming network. This lead to his vision for a social gaming company.
Compulsive gambling
Previously called pathological gambling, compulsive gambling is an addiction disorder. In addition to the physical symptoms, a compulsive gambler’s emotional life is also affected. Some of the emotional symptoms include:
People who have problem gambling may find it difficult to stop gambling and may relapse. This can lead to financial ruin and other legal problems. If you suspect that your loved one has a gambling problem, seek help. The problem is more common in younger adults than older adults.
There are some ways to prevent a gambling problem. Some of these methods include limiting the amount of exposure to gambling. Also, avoid places where gambling is common.
