A person gambles by putting his household things at risk after losing all his money.
SYMPTOMS
BEING SECRETIVE- The behaviour of a gambler becomes secretive, he disposes of without anyone’s knowledge, he is preoccupied with his thoughts and starts lying about things.
ANXIETY- The person becomes more anxious and looks tensed all the time , excess of irritability and frustration among gambling addicts is high.
STEALING- Stealing money and other valuable items from family members and friends to pay off their debts is a big warning sign
Borrowing- Frequently borrowing money and taking loans from various people is the most common traits among gamblers.
DECREASED SOCIALISING- A person to watch a cricket match, play cards, etc compromises on socialising, going out with friends and family.
INCREASED INTEREST- All of a sudden increased interest in watching live matches, following scores, visiting online betting sites is another warning sign.
BETTING MORE- Just like any other type of addiction, a gambler bets more and more to feel the same kind of high he experienced previously.
TO ESCAPE- It has been found in some cases that a person also gambles to escape or forget an emotional problem and to fill a gap created by that problem he/she resorts to gambling.
EFFECTS PROFFESIONAL LIFE- The life of a gambler becomes of how to win Back the money he lost, how to win more, how to arrange more money. This draws him further into the addiction taking a toll on his job, school or office.
RUINS PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS- The changes in behaviour of an addict and the financial problems he faces takes a negative toll on his/her relationship with family, friends and his partner. Money overwhelms every relationship he has in his life.
Gambling in India has deep rooted history, some experts believe the concept of gambling in itself originated from India, it dates back to 7300’s BC while being casually mentioned in “RAMAYANA” where it took place in the forms of board games, weather outcomes etc. The negative consequences of gambling can be found in another hindi scripture “MAHABHARAT” where Yudhishtra was cheated out of all his wealth and kingdom by a dice game arranged by Shakuni.
Gambling was made illegal in India by public gambling act of 1867.
The reality is gambling is deep rooted in our blood as a result its addiction more severe and damaging, the attitude of being secretive about it and denying it by stating it’s not an addiction only makes the matter worse.
Why do people GAMBLE?
People think it as a way of attaining easy money not aware there are no shortcuts to success or wealth in life.
Gambling like all kinds of addiction gives a sense of high to its users. They enjoy the experience of thrill of not knowing they will win or lose which they encounter, while anticipating the result of their gambling activity.
They consider luck is on their side and they need to make the most of that opportunity.
Gambling creates an intrigue of keep doing it again and again in hope of winning even after knowing its damaging him/her emotionally and financially.
Many times it has been found that ego overpowers the individual alongside the addiction to gambling. His/her mind frame becomes that I cannot lose, and I will surely win the next time I gamble, ignoring all other responsibilities the individual has towards themselves, their family and to the society as a whole.
FACTS
An estimated Rs. 1,000 crores are bet illegally in India on every IPL match.
Case Studies
R A, age 19 is a doing his graduation in commerce, but his whole life has turned upside down because of being hooked to gambling. He states he gambled first after one of his friends who was into it and suggested him as an easy way for extra money. Ravi fist gambled on an IPL cricket match and won Rs 10,000 and that made him feel invincible. He continued to gamble and won money initially, but on one match he lost heavily and after that point he kept on losing money and came under heavy debt as a result he started staying anxious and tensed up all day, he couldn’t concentrate on anything and his equation with people became weighed on money. He started making excuses at home to take money like; he has to pay tuition fees, he borrowed money from his friends and at last he resorted to stealing and selling off household stuff like camera, jewellery and watches. He got caught one day when he was trying to open the safe and that’s the time he confessed that he was under heavy debt because of his addiction to gambling. His counselling started at the clinic and he showed signs of guilt and remorse for his actions.
