Gambling

814 Words2 Pages

Gambling "Gambling is defined as risking money or something of value on the

outcome of an event involving chance when probability of winning or

losing is less than certain."[i] Over the past ten years, Ontario has

undergone a dramatic change in gambling attitudes. Since the

legalization of gambling in Ontario in 1994, there has been an

explosion of gambling opportunities for the public. From commercial

casinos to lottery tickets to off-track betting, it is easier to

gamble today than ever before. While the government promotes the

gambling industry to supplement tax revenues, it has not allocated

sufficient funds nor taken adequate corrective measures for dealing

with the social and financial consequences that are created by

addictive gambling.

While some people can gamble in a responsible manner, others have

trouble controlling their gambling habit. A survey conducted in 2001

by Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse showed that approximately

340,000 people in Ontario were experiencing moderate to severe

gambling addictions. [ii] As it begins to dominate their lives, a

downward spiraling effect often leading to financial ruin and social

demise ensues. Gambling addictions develop for various reasons. One

reason may be that the person obsesses with the idea of winning the

jackpot and financial freedom. Gambling can also be a form of escape

from everyday life stresses and difficulties or can be a distraction

from the daily routine. Problem gamblers gamble for extended periods

of time, can become involved in illegal activities to finance t...

... middle of paper ...

...and flourish. Ultimately, the people of Ontario

suffer and this affects society as a whole.

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[i] http://www.cpha.ca/english/policy/pstatem/gambling/page1.htm

[ii]http://www.oma.org/pcomm/OMR/mar/03gambling.htm

[iii]http://www.responsiblegambling.org/faqs_details.cfm?ID=44

[iv] http://www.sprc.hamilton.on.ca/Casino%20Impacts.htm

[v]

http://www.pris.bc.ca/trcs/spcs/problem-gambling.html#EFFECTS%20OF%20PROBLEM%20GAMBLING%20ON%20THE%20FAMILY

[vi]http://www.mediresource.sympatico.ca/chn/gambling.asp?channel_id=58&menu_item_id=72

[vii]

http://www.mediresource.sympatico.ca/chn/gambling.asp?channel_id=58&menu_item_id=72

[viii] http://corporate.olgc.ca/corp_economic.jsp

[ix] http://www.cpha.ca/english/policy/pstatem/gambling/page2.htm

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