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There is no denying that gambling is a thrilling pursuit. The excitement of it comes in a variety of forms, whether it be from the glowing lights and sounds of the slot machines, watching the horse you put your money on pulling ahead for first place, watching the roulette wheel spin, or seeing a pair of dice land on the number you’ve been chanting under your breath. However, slot machines can drain money faster than any other form of gambling, horses can break their legs as they pull into a finish, the roulette wheel is unpredictable, and a heater on the craps table can only last so long.
In short, gambling can be a diverting form of entertainment, when exercised in moderation. The law of moderation is considered healthy in a multitude of other arenas, including eating and drinking habits and spending money. Anything on this planet can be abused, and the real danger in abusing gambling goes hand in hand with addiction. Those that become addicted to gambling can suffer financial devastation, come under investigation regarding taxes or illegal activity that they may have committed in their need to gamble, among other things. As recognized by i Mind Health, gambling can be identified as an addiction when it transcends a mere interest and possible consequences become irrelevant.
Like other things, gambling can be enjoyed in moderation. However, know the warning signs—including obsessive thoughts about gambling, feeling need to lie about it, and gambling with money you don’t have merely to gamble—and keep an eye out for them to keep gambling a hobby and not an addiction.
