The losses of gaming and wagering sometimes go far beyond the bet or price of a ticket. People who gamble can fall victim to addiction just like people that drink or use drugs. Just like other addictions, pathological gambling can begin during adolescence. Just like other addictions, a person will beg, borrow and steal to feed the addiction. They will neglect their families, abuse family members, reject friends and lose everything chasing a win. Problem gamblers have a higher rate of suicide and attempted suicide than any other addiction.
If you or someone you know has a compulsion to buy lottery tickets every day, bet a lot of money on sports (which is illegal), get to a casino once a month or more, spend hours every day gambling online, then they probably have a gambling problem and need help. There is help at (877)-846-7369 or www.nyproblemgambling.org.
Also, remember that scratch-offs are not for children. That is why the age requirement is 18.
The odds are never in your favor.
DOREAN PAGE
HFM Prevention Council