Casino management knows people like me are compulsive gamblers but they only encourage us to lose even more control
I have struggled with casino gambling for many years. I travel in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee on business and therefore go in or near areas with casinos often. While a person who does not have a control issue may find it difficult to understand, I assure you that many of the casino management and employees know that compulsive gambling is a problem for many people. Common traits include gambling well beyond one’s realistic means, and gambling until there is no means to get more money to partake with. Additionally, excessive drinking (at no monetary charge to gamblers) is encouraged and only leads to more and more acts of stupidity. Casino “Rewards System” are designed to promote heavy gambling and provide incentives to return frequently. While it is true that some win, be assured that most do not, and a very small and decreasing portion of the once winners, all become losers in many ways.
This is a very self-demeaning activity since an individual only blames themselves for the resources they forfeited, which are sorely needed by themselves and their families. Gambling problems in turn lead to trust issues within the family, breaking down the moral fiber that holds families together. In addition, crime is increased, and social needs soar. I fully believe that local governments and individuals affected by gambling would all be much better off financially and also from moral standpoint if these establishments did not exist. The tax revenues would come from positive spending rather than the promotion of gambling activity.
Given my own circumstances, I think it would be wise for individuals to know that there is a program established by the Gaming Commission (The Mississippi Gaming Commission in Jackson, MS is where I went), that will allow individuals to do a self-ban from the casino establishments. This will prevent the cashing of checks and credit card advances, and basically make it illegal to visit these establishments period. It is fairly simple to do. A quick online search will provide the locations for the Gaming Commission Offices. I found it necessary to take this action for myself, and I believe that it will assist in my abstinence from gambling. I would encourage anyone who has a compulsive gambling problem to do the same. I wish I had known and taken this action sooner. - Glenn T. from Alabama