8 Things You Don’t Want to Hear About Gambling

Making money, and lots of it is what everyone hopes for. Having fun while doing it is always a bonus! That’s why the gambling market is booming and so many people want to be a part of it.

Gambling takes place all around you in ways you might not even realize. Sports betting, lottery tickets, and online casinos take real money for the chance to win big. A variety of websites offer sign up bonuses, latest online casino games and even cashback bonuses (I personally go to OnlineCasinoGems whenever I feel like checking out the latest bonuses out there). 

While all might seem to be fun and games, there are some negative aspects of this potentially exciting pastime. It may be hard to hear, but here are eight things that aren’t so great about the world of gambling.

1. Youth are participating in gambling illegally

It might not be obvious, but underage children are finding ways to get their hands on gambling.

A form of entertainment for adults is turning into a pastime for kids, and it’s causing there to be more problem gamblers. Some underage individuals may not even realize they are breaking the law by participating in fantasy sports leagues or scratch-offs.

Those who begin gambling at a young age are more prone to become addicted later in life. With the ease of access to gambling, it’s no wonder that teenagers are getting involved.

2. You’re losing more money than you think

You might know that gambling means a good chance of losing money, but it isn’t so obvious just how much you are losing if you don’t keep track of what you’re putting in.

Casinos are reporting the revenue that they are making and the numbers are staggering. In Pennsylvania alone, game operators made $3.3 billion in the past year off of gamblers playing their games.

That high number shows just how much money gamblers lose in comparison to how much they win. The fact that casinos are making that much of a profit makes it clear that you’re not winning that much.

You have to put in a lot to make a lot, and the odds of winning aren’t even that good. Casinos make so much more money than anybody gets out of them.

3. Gambling can lead to unhealthy habits

If you sit at the slots too long or in online casinos for hours at a time, you probably aren’t doing some of the vital things you need to lead a healthy life.

You might not eat or sleep properly and are likely not getting enough exercise. Snacking while playing or staying up late to get in more game time are bad habits to get yourself into.

Most live casinos also allow smoking, which is not healthy in the first place. Inhaling even secondhand smoke is bad for your lungs.

Playing too many casino games might cause you to grow out of touch with family or friends, cornering yourself in your gambling world.

If you gamble, make sure it is in moderation and not a daily habit. Gambling should be fun, not harmful to your health.

4. There is a low probability that you will win money

Gambling isn’t the best way to make money, considering the chance of winning is very low.

There is no way to predict your chance of winning on slots or other games of chance because the outcomes are completely randomized.

On slot machines and online slots, you have to put in a lot of money to even have a chance to win a lot of money. High jackpots require high bets that many players cannot afford in the first place. Not hitting the jackpot is likely, so you’d be out the high amount you bet with no winnings in return.

Table games and betting are also not often the best ways to make money. With a little luck and maybe some skill and prediction you could win, but the chances are never 100%.

Gambling of any form is not a way to get rich, but it can entertain for a short time.

5. Gambling could lead to suicidal thoughts or actions

If gambling becomes too much a part of someone’s life, it could become life-threatening. Problem gambling is often associated with thoughts of suicide and even following through with it.

Even if a person was being treated for other causes of suicidal actions, like depression, problem gamblers are still six times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. They are more likely to act on their thoughts, causing an unfortunate trend of suicidal gamblers.

Don’t let gambling habits get the best of you. Use it as a treat every so often rather than making it a routine.

6. Sports betting may be legal, but it can be dangerous

The mental health of athletes is important to the way they play their game. With the pressures of sports betting, mental illness in athletes is becoming a growing concern, especially in college players.

People have money riding on their performance and players don’t want to let their fans down. The importance of winning the game is already huge, and sports gambling is making the jobs of the players more difficult.

Gambling could make something as enjoyable as sports games stressful and unpleasant to viewers and players alike. Gambling can cause mental health issues for more than just gamblers.

7. More gambling means more stress

Gambling is fun when you win, but quite the letdown when you lose. The chances of winning are so low that it can be very disappointing. 

Losing money is always a stressful situation. If you happen to be on a losing streak it’ll just cause more stress.

Going in with high hopes of winning is a sure way to be disappointed. Gambling counts on a lot of luck that doesn’t always come when you need it.

Don’t stress yourself out by playing for high stakes. Keep the playing low-key and you won’t feel the stress.

8. Gambling problems are more common than you think

Someone you love could be suffering from a gambling addiction and you don’t even realize it. Gamblers can be very good at hiding their struggles so they go undetected.

It is unfortunate because negative outcomes of gambling that could be avoided with help do occur.

If you think you have a gambling addiction, don’t wait until it is too late. Gambling a little here and there is supposed to be entertaining and fun, not deadly.

Don’t let gambling ruin your life. Play casino games for fun and bet a little money so you don’t have to worry. Play safe and good luck!