What You Should Watch Out For With Slot Machine Gambling?
Those opposed to gambling felt that the new gaming regulations that went into effect in 2005 in Britain would cause more gambling addictions. However, the Sports Minister stated that the new laws, which govern gaming companies, allowed them to advertise on both TV and radio, giving new regional casinos the chance to thrive, as well as offering bigger slot games payouts. Additionally, bringing slot machine gambling under new regulations would even provide a great deal more control than ever before.
Is there cause for concern that more lenient laws regarding slot games could cause an increase in the number of gambling addictions? The Norwegian government would probably say yes, as thousands of Norwegian’s have become addicted to playing the slot games; turning one of the most law-abiding countries into a country riddled with citizens who have gambling addictions. It is so bad that the government wants to cut the number of machines from the current 18,000 to just a few thousand, with restrictions on access.
Everyone is familiar with the major addictions, such as alcohol, narcotics and tobacco; however, gambling, including slot machine gambling, is the fastest growing addiction in the United States. Experts say not only are there millions of adult pathological gamblers, but there are also millions of teenagers who are addicted as well. Generally, this type of gambler will lose any money that they have and then use their credit cards, spiraling further and further into debt. They will sell possessions and beg relatives for money or even worse, they will steal money for their addiction.
Studies show that on average, a gambler will lose all of their money and then will use credit to continue to play slot machines or other games. They will get over their heads in debt, anywhere from $40,000 to $90,000, before they will even think about getting any type of help for their addiction. Many will use bankruptcy as a form of relief and many others who cannot find a solution will commit suicide. Legalized gambling is one of the fastest growing industries today, enabling the gaming industry to make a lot of money.
At one time, you had to go to Atlantic City or Las Vegas if you wanted to gamble on anything more than just a little friendly game of cards. Now, however, easier access is everywhere, including the internet, making gambling that much easier. While you may not think that slot machine gambling would be a problem, it can develop into compulsive gambling, or a type of mental disorder known as impulse control. This form of addiction may include online slots, video poker machines and a myriad of other games.