Don't Play Games With A Gambling Habit
By Pat Fowler
Summer 2007
They are not afraid of taking risks. They are highly competitive. They are placed in stressful situations. They are young and generally more athletic than most.
Yes, they are
Military-owned slot machines at officers’ clubs, activities centers and bowling alleys on overseas bases generate about $2 billion each year, according to an Oct. 19, 2005 New York Times report, while military slot machines at home produce more than $120 million annually. Army bingo games collect an additional $45 million in revenues per year.
Outside of an in-patient gambling addiction program at
Pending a servicemember’s assignment, the presence of a serious gambling problem also could compromise a mission, even leading to the loss of lives.
Most people are able to gamble without negative consequences, of course. These “social gamblers” set aside an amount of money and time and walk away unaffected, win or lose. But when gambling evolves from a form of entertainment to a compulsion, it is similar to the development of alcoholism in that not all individuals progress to problematic levels, and most who do will deny it. In fact, those with a problem often will hit bottom before seeking help. Tragically, this may result in the destruction of the gambler’s personal life, family relationships, finances and career.
Those closest to the gambler frequently are unaware of the problem until it is too late. This is because compulsive gambling – the “hidden illness” – does not bear the physical symptoms such as breath odor, stumbling when walking or slurred speech often associated with drug or alcohol addiction.
Some research suggests that people with military experience may be slightly more likely than others to participate in a high number of gambling activities. The 2002 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Military Personnel found that 6.3 percent of all DoD personnel had experienced at least one “gambling-related problem,” 2.3 percent had experienced at least three of these problems and 1.2 percent admitted to five or more problems – the level constituting probable pathological gambling. The Marine Corps showed the highest rate of at least one gambling problem, 7.9 percent. (The most recent Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors, in 2005, did not address the issue of gambling in the military.)
It is important to remember that those suffering from compulsive gambling deserve the same compassion and understanding as those struggling with an addiction or any physical or emotional illness.
To determine whether you or someone you know has a gambling problem, consider these warning signs:
- Thinking constantly about gambling – reminiscing about past experiences, planning the next outing or searching for ways to get more money to gamble or pay off debts
- Increasing the stakes to maintain excitement
- Using gambling to escape life’s problems
- Gambling to make up for past losses
- Lying about or concealing gambling activities
- Borrowing money from friends, family or work to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Neglecting personal needs or responsibilities
- Losing time from work or school due to gambling
- Arguing with others due to gambling
- Boasting about winning (often minimizing losses and exaggerating wins)
- Feeling unable to control or stop gambling
- Having self-destructive thoughts
The good news is that compulsive gambling is treatable for those who seek help. The non-profit National Council on Problem Gambling (www.ncpgambling.org) operates a 24-hour confidential national helpline (800-522-4700), providing assistance and resources to gamblers, family members and concerned others as well as counselors and other professionals. More than 35 state affiliate councils assure that most callers will receive help from a locally-based National Certified Gambling Counselor.
# # #
Pat Fowler is executive director of the