Now that Gambling is legal in the State of Ohio, many people enjoy recreational gambling. Forms of gambling include visiting a Casino, like the Hard Rock in Cleveland, visiting a racetrack, playing a video poker machine or participating in online sports betting. While gambling can be a thrill, it’s more fun if you win and the odds are always stacked against you. Some people can walk away when they lose, but others keep seeking that thrill, no matter what the financial consequences.
Casinos profit because they set the odds to maximize their returns. Sports betting businesses use a similar calculation to make sure that the “house” comes out ahead. While it may seem like your card-playing skills or sports knowledge can make you a winner, in the long run, the house always wins. Unfortunately the statistics paint a dark picture of gambling. It can tear families apart, result in a downward spiral of financial woes and lead to suicide.
Of all the addictions out there, gamblers have the highest rate of suicide, because the financial cost of gambling addiction can be so destructive to their lives. Gamblers may borrow money from friends and relatives, or worse, borrow at high interest from payday lenders and illegal lenders. The consequences can be loss of social connections and rapid increases in personal debt, leading to intense anxiety and depression.
Townhall II can help. We provide counseling and resources that can get you back on track. It’s not too late to resolve your gambling problems and learn where your impulse to gamble originates. Contact us at (330) 678-3006 for more information.