PRISONER EXPRESS

Millions of people visit gambling cities such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City annually with only one dream in mind, to strike it rich. In 2004 alone Vegas visitors spent a whopping $33.7 Billion, the equivalent of more than $92.3 million per day for total expenses, including food, lodging and various forms of entertainment. About a fourth of that total was spent on gambling. Unfortunately, those who desire to 'strike it rich' seldom actually get rich. In contrast, in 2005, Las Vegas casinos, after payouts to winners, took in an average of almost $27 million per day in gross gambling revenue. In the US, prior to 1990, only Las Vegas and Atlantic City had legal casinos. Today, casinos are legal in 36 states. The government began to actively promote gambling in 1964 when New Hampshire conducted the first state lottery. Today, state lotteries have become a source of government money in 41 states plus the District of Columbia. In one form or another, whether it be casino 'gaming', state lotteries, house racing, dog racing, bingo or whatever, gambling is now legal in 48 of America's 50 states, the only exceptions being Hawaii and Utah. Gambling in the US has reached an unprecedented level of acceptance. According to www.family.org, nationwide gross gambling revenue, after winner payouts, was $72.9 Billion in 2003. Around the world, gambling is a fast growing enterprise. The Global Betting and Gaming Consultants (GBGC) calculate that gamblers world wide lost a total of $208 Billion in 2003. While the personal finances losses are astounding, there are a host of other problems that spring up from the gambling craze.

As gambling opportunities become more commonplace, addiction to gambling increases, so stated the National Gambling Impact Study Commission final report issued in June 18, 1999- the first comprehensive report of gambling effects in the US in 23 years. It affirmed the National Opinion Research Center finding that the presence of a gambling facility within 50 mils roughly "doubles the prevalence of problem and pathological gamblers."

A compulsive gambler becomes obsessed with gambling to the point it absorbs all other interests to the detriment of families and friends. He is pathologically hopeful about winning, but can't stop gambling if he does win. If he wins, he wants to win more, if he loses, he tries to recoup his loses- and the more he loses, the more he is sure that he'll win next time! The addicted gambler will eventually risk more than he can afford. That leads to other problems; gambling increases crime. Violent crimes also go up. According to the National Coalition against Legalized Gambling, after casinos were introduced in Atlantic City, total crimes in the city tripled in just three years and the per capita crime rate shot up from 50th in the nation to first (www.ncalg.org). Usually, within three to five years of a newly opened gambling market some residents who have become compulsive gamblers, rather than resort to crime, will file for bankruptcy to gain relief from creditors. One study confirmed that personal bankruptcy rates are twice as high in countries with casinos than in countries without (www.ncalg.org). That impacts all the residents in those countries, because business will typically recover those losses from the rest of the consumers.

Gambling can so consume a person that it leads to loss of productivity on the job and subsequent unemployment. In addition to these hardships, gamblers are regularly exposed to sexual vices, the gambling venue is often connected to sexual lewdness, prostitution, fornication and adultery; offering repeated temptations to a discouraged gambler. More than likely, the family of a gambling addict bears a lot of emotional damage, often culminating in domestic violence, child neglect and divorce.

iction is so gripping and depressive that "the suicide rate among pathological gambler is higher than for any other addictive disorder (ibid)." One study revealed that 20 to 30 percent of addicted gamblers surveyed attempted suicide (www.ncalg.org). You may be thinking, yes it is too bad that some people can't control their urge to gamble, but 'most' people are not addicted to it. So what's wrong with having a little fun? Do you gamble? If you do and are honest with yourself, do you not gamble hoping to 'hit the jackpot'? And is that not founded on a desire-a lust- for easy money? Gambling in any form exploits a character flaw because it is motivated by greed.

Studies prove that the poor, less educated and the young are disproportionately enticed to gamble. They are more vulnerable and susceptible to 'getting hooked.' So even though they voluntarily participate, does it make it right to take money from them? Does it make it right to participate in a system that preys on their plight? Granted, not all types of gambling-like bingo- have the potential for a huge payout. It is still wrong. All forms of gambling encourage the principle of typing to get something for nothing. That kind of thinking, no matter how small, stifles the character trait of productive effort. When the something-for-nothing concept gets lodged in our minds, it undermines the work ethic, especially in young people, who are five times more likely to have gambling problems. It also promotes the idea that luck or chance lead to success instead of choices.

Not so long ago, most people conceded that gambling was a vice to be avoided. Today, state-sponsored lotteries in the U.S. have significantly reduced the stigma once associated with gambling. Only nine states do not play the lottery. One way state govts. advance the lottery is to convince voters that a percentage of their ticket-sale proceeds will go to a worthy cause, like education. In reality, usually nothing is added to the specific budget. Instead, the government simply allocates less to that area from its overall budget, thus, spending levels stay the same.

Video gambling machines have been proven to be the most addictive form of gambling in history. One reason for that is that people can bet very quickly. Besides very fast turn around, internet gambling affords easy access and privacy. Thanks to the internet, we can expect gambling addiction and its attendant problems to sky rocket. People start gambling for various reasons. Compulsive gamblers are enticed by a fantasy: in their minds they are just one turn of the cards, one spin of the wheel or one roll of the dice away from a dream world where everything will be wonderful. It's a way to escape from their responsibilities. They feel emotionally comfortable and secure when they are in 'action'. Also, they usually have a strong desire to be a big shot. Compulsive gamblers have emotional problems. Those who tend to flee from reality have pronounced levels of emotional insecurity and immaturity. Nevertheless, the reasons people start gambling always include a certain degree of lust for money, prizes or recognition. The bottom line is that any and all forms of gambling concede our character to one extent or another- and that's why gamblers always lose, even when they win. They find that they have problems what no amount of money or winning will resolve. Genuine happiness still eludes them.