Gambling – Can it become obsessive?

[Born to be Wild]

I just received this email from a fellow ifisher and really appreciated his email. I have a close friend that had or has a gambling problem. Actually the more I think about it I know several folks in Depoe Bay that seem to spend money every night and have my doubts whether a lot of them can really afford it.

I’m hoping Jen will start a “support” forum as all the support I have received has really helped me out and what better way to receive support than from a bunch of fellow fishers that you share a common love with.

I’ve known people that struggle with alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and gambling to name a few common ones. Heck, there is probably a few fishaholics out there also! :grin:

Here’s the email:

Keep at it. You're an inspiration. I'm a problem gambler, I have the "urges" all too often. I think I've overcome it, but it's tough, and it's only been five weeks. I'm so ashamed of myself, only my girlfriend knows. She's been a huge help. The financial damages are going to be with me for years. Again, keep at it. I admire your courage.
Thanks,

***

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Oh and my new one; PC-aholic!

Dan :grin:

[Tilla]

I had a family member run up close to $100k in gambling debt from slot machines and FROM BINGO! She kept the problem hidden from her husband. She seemed to only remember the wins. She called it her lifestyle.
She passed away in May. A contributing factor in the cause of her death was that she wouldn't leave a casino in Reno for a few days to address a sudden medical issue.
She was a wonderful person, travelled the world, a school teacher, married 54 years, sent her three boys to college. She was my mom.

[ 07-24-2003, 11:50 AM: Message edited by: Tilla ]

[Born to be Wild]

WOW! :depressed:

Thanks for sharing that Tilla.

Heart wrenching story and a shocker at the end.

Sorry to hear about the premature death of your mom.

Makes me realize that there can be more serious problems with gambling than just money.

I think like a lot of things it can effect relationships also.

That story made me sad. Sorry to hear that.

Dan

[greenbuttskunk]

I read somewhere that 90% of addicted gamblers in oregon are addicts from video poker. I am a classic type A personality and about 10 years ago, I lived too close to one and although it never became a bad problem, I realized I better chill out before it did become one.
I've seen and heard the storied of the destruction it can create in peoples lives.

[Jennie@ifish]

Of course it can!
When I won that 1500.00 I got this odd happiness. It almost felt evil! It was exciting, exhilarating, but... somehow, in the pit of my stomach, it made me feel ill. I don't know why!

While I waited for the gal to come back with my money, which seemed like an eternity, I decided to put two quarters in the machine next to the winning machine. Fifty more dollars! WOW!

Later that night, telling the kids I couldn't lose, I put one silver dollar in a machine. 100.00!!!! WOW! I couldn't lose!

I collected it all, and took it to the front desk. I felt this odd feeling that if I didn't, I'd lose it all!

Three days later, at the Vegas airport, I had 2 hours to wait. This was NOT good! I had heard to never play at airports, but hey! I was invincible!!!

So, at McCarren, I lost quarter, after quarter after quarter. I kept thinking that it's got to hit! I've put so much money in, and I can't lose, right?

It's a good thing I had a time limit, that's all I can say!

It took me a lot of willpower to not go to the front desk and get my money, and I'm glad that I don't live closer to places like that!

I'd never won anything like that before, nor played much in casinos. Like I said, the happiness is fun, but there is something wrong with that kind of happiness.

I get a much higher thrill from a steelhead or a salmon, let me tell you!!! And no weird guilt for my smile!!

Fishing is for sure my drug of choice. No hangovers, no guilt, and no fear of addiction. Hey, I'm already addicted, and it can't get any worse than it already is!

I have a girlfriend who talked me into going to one of those casinos on the South Coast in Lincoln city. She drove there often.

I was amazed and sickened by the times she went up the stairs to the cash machine! On the way home, she was really depressed and hopeless and made me promise not to tell her husband.

I'd love to help her, but I don't know how. :depressed:
Next day, we were at a restaurant, and there were video poker machines there. She stayed long after dinner while I waited and shopped nearby. :depressed: It's sad, and I want my friend back.

Jen

[Hoosier Daddy]

No, gambling cannot become obsessive....
just ask Pete Rose......

[BuckisMunz]

I myself am happily married to a woman to hates gambling. So I thank my lucky stars that she hate's it and that I've never won big. Although I do miss poker night with my bro's really badly.

So in answer to your question, YES!!! I have a couple of friends that can't go a week or even a day without gambling.

[LIMIT LANDER]

Please folks remember this..anything that controls you, and you cant control it, is wrong or labeled a Sin, gambling should not be in a catagory by it self, why? because i know people that have a credit card problems, eating problem, anger problem, sexual addiction, drinking problem, a control male or domataing female problem. So when someone puts "Gambling" in a cadagory as a "big sin" and are abusive to their wife or kids, or they let food get the best of them to a point they have a health problem. then lets dont be hipocritical about the subject. If i take you somewhere and you think gambling is a sin or wrong then i wont gamble. but i know many people that have their life savings in the stockmarket. no different than putting it down on a blackjack table. you win or loose. now you may control more at the blackjack table on the amout you put down or you may know what stocks to trade at the wrong or right time but it is all the same. people can be very much addicted to gambling. i know a guy who divorced his wife because he couldnt go fishing 90% of the time. wouldnt you think if fishing controls you...that also can be a ...sin....(just my 1 pesos worth)

[Joe Schwab]

If you can't control it I feel sorry for you but don't try putting weaknesses on society's shoulders. I like to gamble and I have never been addicted to it.

We go to the Indian Casinos because they are regulated by state law and not run by the Mafia. We go with the expectation of losing so much and that's it. If we win we take it home.

Just like fishing if you go with the expectation of filling the cooler you will be disappointed occasionally.

[ 07-29-2003, 07:25 PM: Message edited by: Capt. Hook ]