MADISON, Conn. — Story by Thomas Johnson Daniel Hand High School
Gambling, something so addictive, right at your fingertips.
The $60 billion industry leaves around 20 million Americans with gambling addictions.
Between the average gamblers loss of $115,000, and the 15 times higher suicide rates among problem gamblers, there is a whole new deck of cards at hand with online gambling.
“I'll say also before online gambling, you had to put clothing on, to go and gamble, you had to get up you had to get out of bed, you had to put clothes on, you had to go to a casino, you had to go to a convenience store to buy lottery tickets, now you don't, that's how easy and accessible it is” said Diana Goode.
Ben Schreiber, School Psychologist from Daniel Hand, warns us about the consequences of gambling. “Its very… nerve wracking now, because you watch people who, its ju-, its right on the phones right the internet,and, so my experience even nowadays, with people or talking to people that have really lost a lot and struggled a lot and I think the worst part about it is not even the money, its just the addiction and the secrets and the shame.” said Ben Schreiber.
Although gambling is target towards adults, teenagers eager to gamble are finding loopholes like using the gambling accounts of siblings, parents, and older friends.
“Right now, I'm just using my dads account, I go up and I go down, I never really win, and my bets never really work out how I want them too.” said an Anonymous student gambler.
With the popularity of gambling on the rise, especially sports betting, places like the new sports bar and sportsbook at the XL Center provide easy access for gamblers. “We just want to make sure as gambling becomes easier and more accessible that there are safeguards in place.” said Diana Goode.
Over 80% of Americans gamble on a yearly basis and 3-5 gamblers out of every 100 struggle with problem gambling. If gambling is negatively impacting your life, there are resources like the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling.
“And the most important thing that we do is we run the helpline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, talk, text and chat. So that if people do feel like that they have a problem with gambling they can call us and we can connect them with services.” said Diana Goode. From the sports bar and sports book this is Thomas Johnson reporting.
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