Poker in the News

Article about problem gambling--- some interesting stats (and some questionable ones)

National Council on Problem Gambling (I'm not a big fan of these worriers) says that 1% of American adults, about 3 million people, are pathological gamblers. Unless, in fact, they are pathological liars pretending to be gamblers.

They estimate that another 2-3% of adults are at risk, with at least two of the symptoms described by the American Psychiatric Association:

Definition of pathological gambling

Pathological gambling involves five or more of the following:

Preoccupation with past, present, and future gambling experiences and with ways to obtain money for gambling.

Need to increase the amount of wagers.

Repeated unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop.

Becoming restless or irritable when trying to cut back or stop.

Gambling to escape from everyday problems or to relieve feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or depression.

Trying to recoup immediately after losing money (chasing losses).

Lying about gambling.

Committing illegal acts to finance gambling.

Losing or jeopardizing a personal relationship, job, or career opportunity because of gambling.

Requesting gifts or loans to pay gambling debts.

Adapted from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, 1994.

All professional gamblers would qualify for at least 2 of these symptoms, in my opinion.

MSN Health & Fitness - Problem gambling