There may be far more opportunities to gamble nowadays, including on the Internet, but the Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related Disorders at Harvard Medical School has not seen any evidence of increasing gambling addiction in the United States. The rate for problem gamblers (2%) and gambling addicts (1%) has remained relatively stable.

Similar conclusions have been drawn in South Africa, where a well-established gaming industry is presently seeing a boom in gambling activity without a corresponding boom in problem gambling. Exposure to gambling does not cause addiction; research shows that personality disorders, substance abuse and depression are all major factors contributing to the creation of problem gamblers.

With more emphasis on responsible gambling and the provision of treatment programmes, it is likely that more people will be presenting as having a problem. More jurisdictions are regulating for funding to provide research, training and education, as well as treatment for gambling problems. Gambling is becoming a mainstream social activity, part of a larger entertainment product, and public education should ensure that it is viewed as such. After all, the House always has the edge. (E-03.29.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage