Whether or not gambling is a good thing depends on several things, including your goals and how much you are willing to risk. Basically, gambling is betting something of value on a random event, hoping to win something else of value. It is a form of entertainment, and if done correctly, can be a very enjoyable experience. However, there are instances where it can be harmful, such as when it becomes compulsive.
Ancient Chinese evidence of gambling
Despite the fact that gambling has long been prohibited in the ancient world, it has been discovered that people in ancient China were very keen on playing games of chance. This is evident from the archaeological evidence. There are many ruins of dice-based games that have been found in the Xia and Shang dynasties, which is thought to have predated lottery-type games.
Ancient Chinese gambling also included sports betting, bookmaking, and horse racing. The games of chance played by ancient Chinese are akin to those found in modern casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. However, the games themselves are not very sophisticated. Some anthropologists believe that these games were used to finance the construction of the Great Wall of China.
Legalized gambling is a leisure activity
Fortunately, the gambling industry is not restricted to Las Vegas. Legalized gambling is on the rise in many American states, from Nevada to Hawaii and everything in between. The state of Texas has one of the largest casinos in the country, and a new one is planned for the Grand Canyon. The gambling aficionados will be pleased to know that there are many local operators to choose from. Gambling is a fun activity for many people, and the rewards are plentiful. The best part is the fact that legalized gambling is a social activity and not just a rite of passage. It’s also a good way to keep the kids off the television and out of the house.
Compulsive gambling can destroy lives
Fortunately, there is help available. The Council on Compulsive Gambling is a non-profit organization in New Jersey. They offer a number of services, including email and web chat support. They have recently added a gambling addiction treatment facility to their already extensive list of services. They’ve also got a smattering of licensed counselors tasked with treating the compulsive gamblers of the world.
The best part is that there are a few ways to find out if you or someone you love is a compulsive gambler. A gambler isn’t necessarily an addict; he or she just has a hard time stopping themselves from spending money they shouldn’t be spending. The most obvious approach is to call your local problem gambling hotline.
