Where I work as a crisis line counselor, one of the lines we answer is a gambling helpline for people who are trying to stop gambling. Gambling can become addicting and, for many people, it leads to terrible problems. I have spoken with people whose gambling habit caused their marriage or other close relationships to end, who lost their homes to foreclosure, who lost their jobs – the list goes on. Thankfully, many people are able to stop gambling. But as with other addictions, they usually need help from professionals and/or support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, and it takes a lot of hard work. Work that of course is worth the effort.
I’ve been fortunate that gambling never had much appeal to me. Hearing other people’s stories of loss and hardship has strengthened my opinion that gambling is something people should avoid. From time to time I read or hear about a nonprofit organization that had to close because of lack of funding. They are usually organizations that have provided much help to people in need. I find myself thinking I wish people who throw their money away gambling (money which mostly helps wealthy people become wealthier) would instead contribute that money to an organization whose mission is meaningful to them. Something to consider.