Gambling is on a hot streak of its own.
Because of popular TV tournaments and easy access to online gambling sites, more people are trying it out. The nationwide trend has reached college students.
Experts say as many as half a million students could be addicted to gambling.
According to a study from the Minnesota Gambling Problem Resource Center, 88 percent of college students across the country participate in some form of gambling every year.
Although most people handle recreational gambling responsibly, it can become an overwhelming addiction for others.
Chase Lindell, a psychology junior, said he prefers online gambling to the casinos, but participates in both.
“Online poker is easy and convenient, which can cause it to be very addictive,” Lindell said. “One does not even have to leave the seat; a couple of clicks of the mouse and you have access to the ATM.”
Students who have gambled say adrenaline rushes through the body as one puts money on the line, becoming “all eyes” observing the dealer and surrounding players.
They add that as the game intensifies, the feeling becomes addicting.
“Poker parties” refer to students hosting small house parties to bring together gamblers and any others interested in a friendly game of poker or other card game.
The hosts’ houses are transformed into mini-casinos as the games continue throughout the night.
But when does social gambling cross into addictive territory, and what dictates this fine line?
Thad Leffingwell, a psychology professor, said a clear boundary exists.
“Gambling becomes a problem when the person repeatedly crosses the boundary of the limit they originally intended on spending,” Leffingwell said.
Everyone has heard the horrific gambling stories that have brought students into major debt, but no one knows how common gambling debt truly is on college campuses.
“Chasing your debts or losses is when it can become a consequential problem. This refers to when students believe they can win to replace their debts from the previous night,” said Leffingwell.
Most casinos are legal only for those 21 or older. However, as there are underage drinkers of alcohol, there also exists underage gamblers who visit casinos.
“I enjoy the live competition of the casino instead of any poker machine or online gaming,” said Dusty Lendermen, a marketing management junior. “It is not nearly as addictive as chewing tobacco.”
Not all gamblers have an addiction, but gambling addictions are becoming more prevalent.
Gambling addictions are categorized with drug and alcohol addictions. But, unlike those addicted to drug and alcohol, compulsive gamblers are harder to identify because there are no visible symptoms.
Help programs and treatment, similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, are increasing in availability .
All in, no bluffs. Beware of the treacherous waters of gambling.
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I are heard that gambling and casinos and the lottery is a “tax for stupid people” or something like that.
There is nothing wrong with playing a couple bucks on a game with your friends at a friends house or in a non-casino situation, but, anything else is just that whole natural selection thing.
The is help for compulsive gamblers
888-GA-HELPS