What is gambling? Give definitions and examples.

Essay by Jack_ToddmanHigh School, 11th gradeA+, March 2004

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Definition:

Gambling is when a person/s bets money or goods on the result of a game, competition or race or buys a ticket for a chance to win a prize or cash. Gambling can be done by an individual or in syndicates (group of people) and there are businesses that become agents for people's gambling habits. Gambling is a risk; some gambles have better odds than others. To gamble your cash or goods you risk losing it in the hope of gaining an advantage. To play games of chance for gain or advantage can be a risky attempt to improve one's financial standing.

A person's gambling habits can become a serious problem; it can affect every aspect of the person's life, family and job. Problem gambling behaviour is the condition known as "Pathological", or "Compulsive" Gambling. This is when disruptions are caused in any major area of a person's life, psychological, physical, social or vocational (work).

It is a progressive addiction, which is characterized by the increasing preoccupation with gambling. The person has a need to bet more money more frequently, they become restless or irritable when attempting to stop, and chase losses, they lose control and this is worsened by the continuation of the gambling behaviour in spite of increasing, serious, negative consequences. Statistics in Australia show there is an increase in the number of people affected by problem gambling, but it does not just affect that person but their family and friends and some lose everything, including their family and friends. There has been many businesses set-up to tempt and take advantage of people's weakness to gamble; consequently many support groups and assistance programs have been organized to help problem gamblers with their addiction and to help them re-build their lives. Unfortunately there is so much advertising...