Gambling - The odds
If you can't call it a day before your luck turns, read on. . .
People gamble on almost any kind of outcome, from football to horse and greyhound racing, even the chances of Steps headlining next year's Ozzfest (2 gazillion to 1). Lottery scratch cards and slot machines are a big draw among 18-24 year olds, though online casinos are proving very popular.
The appeal is in thinking you might win, though ultimately it's the gambling industry that cleans up. Check out the odds:
- Winning £8 on a fruit machine: 600 to 1
- Fifty thousand on a scratch card jackpot: 2.57million to 1
- Lottery jackpot: 14.5 million to 1
- Football pools win: 7.5 million to 1
Losing streak
- Gambling raises blood pressure, heart rate and adrenalin levels - creating a buzz that can get some people coming back for more.
- This is known as 'compulsive' gambling - a progressive mental disorder that leaves sufferers unable to resist the impulse to gamble - often as a means of escaping from problems such as stress, anxiety or depression.
- People with gambling dependency difficulties believe that money will solve their problems - a belief that is reinforced as the debts begin to mount.
- The disruption to their lives isn't just financial, and can affect relationships and careers.
All bets off
Can you resist a flutter? Ask yourself these searching questions:- Have you ever skipped college/work due to gambling
- Does the amount you spend on gambling tend to grow?
- Are you touchy about people asking after your habit?
- Are you prone to mood swings, and turn to gambling as a means of changing the way you feel?
- Do you gamble after arguments or if you're feeling hassled?
- After losing, do you feel the need to gamble again in the hope of reclaiming your money?
If your gambling habits are causing you debt problems - you need to contact The UK Insolvency Helpline as soon as possible - call 0800 074 6918.
