The 2005 Gambling Act brought all British slot machine gambling under the rules and regulations of the new Gambling Commission. This act allowed gaming companies to advertise on radio and TV, as well as the possibility of getting bigger payouts on slot machines. However, those who oppose gambling felt that it would cause an increase in gambling addictions. The Sports minister countered that sentiment by stating the new laws would actually gives the casinos more control.
Is there cause for concern that more lenient laws regarding slot games could cause an increase in the number of gambling addictions? The Norwegian government would probably say yes, as thousands of Norwegian’s have become addicted to playing the slot games; turning one of the most law-abiding countries into a country riddled with citizens who have gambling addictions. It is so bad that the government wants to cut the number of machines from the current 18,000 to just a few thousand, with restrictions on access.
At one time, the major addictions included alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Today, however, there is another addiction that is growing faster than ever in the United States and that is a gambling, including slot machine gambling. Experts say that while adult pathological gamblers are a big problem, it is the teenagers who are falling victim to the allure of winning big money. If they have jobs, then they will spend every bit of cash they have on gambling, then they will turn to begging for money from family. If that doesn’t work, then they will begin stealing whatever they can to feed their habit.
Studies show that on average, a gambler will lose all of their money and then will use credit to continue to play slot machines or other games. They will get over their heads in debt, anywhere from $40,000 to $90,000, before they will even think about getting any type of help for their addiction. Many will use bankruptcy as a form of relief and many others who cannot find a solution will commit suicide. Legalized gambling is one of the fastest growing industries today, enabling the gaming industry to make a lot of money.
At one time, you had to go to Atlantic City or Las Vegas if you wanted to gamble on anything more than just a little friendly game of cards. Now, however, easier access is everywhere, including the internet, making gambling that much easier. While you may not think that slot machine gambling would be a problem, it can develop into compulsive gambling, or a type of mental disorder known as impulse control. This form of addiction may include online slots, video poker machines and a myriad of other games.