Take a gamble

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Take a gambleTeri Lowe

Ant464: Applied AnthropologyInstructor: Sean McCoy

February 17, 2014

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“Gambling can be used as entertainment, and succeeds in bringing economic benefit to many cities like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. “Peter Green, Canon of Manchester, defines gambling as ‘an agreement between two parties whereby the transfer of something of value from one to the other is made dependent on an uncertain event in such a way that the gain of one party is balanced by the loss of another.’ ” (Hope-Jones, 1931, p. 347.)

How interesting that the definition of gambling has not changed in any way since 1931. It is also interesting that Green uses the phrase “uncertain event” in his description of gambling. Gambling can be an enjoyable past time for the majority of people that partake in it. However, there is certain percentage of individuals in which gambling becomes their whole life. Many believe with the roll of a die or the spinning of slot machine wheels that their lives with be enriched. There is a reason that it is called gambling. Does gambling invite addiction to a percentage of individuals that partake in the activity? Most people can handle their gambling, but for the percentage of those that cannot, gambling becomes pathologic, dangerous, and can be the ruin of many families, businesses, and lives. Gambling is an enjoyable outing for some, but for a minority, it becomes an addiction. Gambling has become legal in 48 of 50 states and is now easier to access. With the introduction of online gaming, it is easier than ever to gamble and the percentage of people becoming addicted to gambling has grown.

Introduction:

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“Peter Green, Canon of Manchester, defines gambling as ‘an agreement between two parties whereby the transfer of something of value from one to the other is made dependent on an uncertain event in such a way that the gain of one party is balanced by the loss of another.’ ” (Hope-Jones, 1931, p. 347.)

http://eglewis.blogspot.com/

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According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, a compulsive or pathologic gambler is “gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The term "Problem Gambling" includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as "Pathological", or "Compulsive" Gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.” (National Council on Problem Gambling, 2014.)

(National Council on Problem Gambling, 2014.)

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej7tT9EQidg (2014, Impact of the NCPG)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L1OyhAQRIo (2014, The myth of gambling)

Nevada also has designed a website to help people who believe they have chronic or compulsive gambling habits.

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Even the Indian gaming casinos have taken strides to curb compulsive gambling with a list of symptoms on their website that may indicate compulsive gambling. The list includes:

How do you know if you have a gambling problem?

1. A compulsive gambler is defined as someone whose gambling has caused growing and continuing problems in his or her life. 2. Symptoms include:- Inability to stop gambling- Vows to abstain- Increasing financial, work and/or relationship difficulties as a result of gambling (Paiute Palace Casino, 2014.)

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“Society’s representation of gambling can have a profound impact on youth, affecting their personal characteristics, social relationships, and early gambling experiences.” (Skinner, et al, 2004, p. 264.) Underage gaming is against the law, but with Internet gambling, there is no clear data available yet on how this will impact the increase of underage gaming. “If you think youth gambling is no big deal, think again. 10% of NV (Nevada) adolescents are at risk for gambling addiction.” (Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, 2014.) The video above is a public service announcement on underage gambling, and how to get help and recognize the symptoms.

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TYuEkiHOWdg#t=59 (Given a chance, 2014.)

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“Tony McDew not only recognized that he had a gambling problem, but set out to document it with his own video camera, hoping that sharing his experience could help others. When the jackpot hits, "It feels like you're getting high." And when it doesn't? "You want to crucify yourself." (Benston, 2009, p. 1.)

(2014, Las Vegas Sun)

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(2014, National Council on Problem Gambling)Some questions to ask if you think someone or yourself is a problem gambler:Isn't problem gambling really the result of irresponsible or weak-willed people?

No. Many people who develop problems have been viewed as responsible and strong by those who care about them. Precipitating factors often lead to a change in behavior, such as retirement or job related stress. What kind of people become problem gamblers?Anyone who gambles can develop problems if they are not aware of the risks and do not gamble responsibly. When gambling behavior interferes with finances, relationships and the workplace, a serious problem already exists.Can you be a problem gambler if you don't gamble every day?The frequency of a person's gambling does not determine whether or not they have a gambling problem. Even though the problem gambler may only go on periodic gambling binges, the emotional and financial consequences will still be evident in the gambler's life, including the effects on the family. (National Council on Problem Gambling, 2014.)

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In an article in the Las Vegas Sun entitled “Illness theory gaining ground for gambling addiction: Similar disorders found in

alcoholics, those with a compulsion to gamble” (2009) author Liz Benston states “A growing collection of research has found that the most afflicted have the kinds of biological brain disorders that are

found among drug and alcohol abusers.” Many skeptics still disavow pathologic gambling as a disease, but as stated in the

article, the evidence is turning toward a brain disorder.

(2014, Las Vegas Sun)

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Conclusion:

People from all walks of life, from young teens to parish priests are falling under this spell of this disease. Nevada was in the forefront to document the problem of compulsive gambling and the rest of the nation that allows gaming (48 of 50 states) has followed suit to realize and help educate individuals. One of the greatest concerns is the rise in underage gambling, and with online gambling available on the Internet, and with no way of controlling who is doing the betting, this trend will continue upward. Personal stories of gambling and addiction are available on many of the stop gambling websites that are available, such as 1888-Betsoff, the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and the National Center for Responsible Gambling. Also on these websites, and websites of individual casinos such as the Paiute Palace Casino, awareness via the listing of symptoms and where to go for help are also listed. It is being held that pathologic gambling is an addictive disease, such as alcoholism or other addictive diseases. The only way to stop compulsive gambling is public awareness, and the hope and bravery of those who are fighting this addictive disease.

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References Bentson, L. (2009). Illness theory gaining ground for gambling addiction. Bottoming

out: Gambling addiction in Las Vegas, Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved February 10, 2014 via www.lasvegassun.com.

Bottoming out: Gambling addiction in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Sun online. Retrieved February 10, 2014 via www.lasvegassun.com.

Candee, A. (2011). Gambling addiction drove priest to steal money. 8 News Now online. Retrieved February 10, 2014 via www.8newsnow.com.

Cuomo, C. (2006). Student says he was driven to crime by gambling addiction. ABC News Online. Retrieved February 10, 2014 via www.abcnews.com.

Ervin, A. M. (2005). Applied anthropology: Tools and perspectives for contemporary practice (2nd ed.). United States: Pearson Education, Inc.Given the chance. (2014). Nevada Council on Problem Gambling. Retrieved February

10, 2014 via www.nevadacouncil.org.Grinois, E., Mustard, D. (2006). Casinos, crime and community costs. The Review of

Economics and Statistics, Vol. 88, No. 1 (Feb., 2006), pp. 28-45. RetrievedJanuary 20, 2014 via JSTOR, Ashford Online Library.

Hope-Jones, W. (1931). Gambling. The Mathematical Gazette, Vol. 15, No. 212, pp. 347-357. Retrieved January 20, 2014 via JSTOR, Ashford Online Library.Responsible gaming. (2014). Paiute Palace Casino. Retrieved February 10, 2014 via

www.paiutepalace.com.Skinner, H., Biscope, S., Murray, M., and Korn, D. (2004). Dares to addiction: Youth definitions and

perspectives on gambling. Canadian Journal of Public Heath/Revue Canadienne de Sante ’e Publique, Vol. 95, No. 4, pp. 264-267. Retrieved February 10, 2014 via www.jstor.org via Ashford Online Library.

The myth about gaming. (2014). National Council for Responsible Gaming. Retrieved February 10, 2014 via www.ncrg.org.

U.S. Commercial Casino Industry. (2009). Facts at your fingertips. American Gaming Association. Retrieved January 20, 2014 via www.americangaming.org.