Forty-eight states now permit legalized gambling in some form, thirty-seven states run lotteries, forty-seven allow bingo houses, and more than a dozen states permit betting on dog races. American gamblers wager over $300 billion yearly in legal gambling. Although many Americans enjoy gambling and see it as harmless recreation and a fairly painless way to generate revenue without levying direct taxes, many social conservatives see gambling as a socially destructive temptation that ought notto be indulged by private citizens, much less sponsored by government. Recently, economic pressures resulting from less federal revenue and Americans' growing aversion to tax increases have led many state governments to liberalize gambling laws or sponsor gambling, sparking a lively debate. Legalized Gambling contains twenty articles focusing on different aspects of gambling policy by experts in the fields of public policy, law, psychiatry, rhetoric, religion, economics, and politics. The contributors address all areas of the debate, including the following: -- What moral issues are at the center of the debate? -- What are the true economic costs and benefits of legalized gambling? How are they often hidden or misconstrued in order to support either prohibition or legalization? -- How has the history of gambling in America shaped our current policies? -- Is governmental regulation an invasion of personal privacy? -- What are the legitimate uses of laws? -- Is "pathological gambling" a justifiable medical diagnosis? -- Do gambling establishments run by Native Americans deserve special consideration or regulation? "(In a lottery) ... the tax is laid on the willing only, that is to say, on those who can risk the price of a ticket without sensible injury for the possibility of a higher prize". -- Thomas Jefferson

A concise overview of addictive gambling. This Understanding Compulsive Gambling pamphlet clearly describes both the emotional progression and the effects of compulsive gambling on our lives, finances, and families. Personal stories demonstrate that change is possible through programs such as Gamblers Anonymous. A concise overview of addictive gambling. This Understanding Compulsive Gambling pamphlet clearly describes both the emotional progression and the effects of compulsive gambling on our lives, finances, and families. Personal stories demonstrate that change is possible through programs such as Gamblers Anonymous.

Struggling with a gambling habit? If you feel that a 'flutter' has evolved into something out of your control, this indispensable book is for you. This self-help manual uses cognitive behavioral techniques, pioneered by clinical psychologist Professor Alex Blaszczynski, and now used all over the world, to help with gambling addiction. It will help you to understand how your own gambling problem has developed and what is keeping it going; also, crucially, how to develop the motivation to stop and control any future urges to gamble again.

Problem gambling is a recognised mental disorder and a significant public health issue internationally. A Clinician’s Guide to Working with Problem Gamblers introduces the reader to the concept of problem gambling as an illness, it describes the current gambling habits and explores the way problem gambling may present in an individual. This guide is the product of a collaboration between two of the country’s most eminent experts on problem gambling as a psychiatric disorder. Bowden-Jones and George bring together contributions from leading clinicians working in the field to provide an outline of the epidemiology, aetiology, research, assessment procedures and treatment practices which are discussed and presented in an accessible and engaging manner. The inclusion of questionnaires and screening tools adds to the ‘hands on’ feel of the book. The book covers a range of topics that clinicians and trainees need in order to review and understand the disorder, including, amongst others: Cognitive behavioural models of problem gambling Psychiatric co-morbidity Family interventions Gambling and women Remote gambling A Clinician’s Guide to Working with Problem Gamblers will be essential reading for mental health professionals working with problem gamblers, as well as those in training, it is a comprehensive reference point on all aspects of this psychiatric condition. It is also aimed at various other groups of people who have an interest in the field of problem gambling, including academics, researchers, policy makers, NHS commissioners, probation officers, other health care professionals, the lay reader and family members of those affected by gambling.

The most comprehensive source for the latest research and practicetechniques for diagnosing and treating addictive disorders "This book brings together an array of international experts onaddictive disorders. Robert Coombs's Handbook of AddictiveDisorders discusses the contemporary issues surrounding theunderstanding of addiction, from diagnosis to treatment of anaddicted client. The Handbook of Addictive Disorders is anexample of practical and clinical information at its best." -Lorraine D. Grymala, Executive Director American Academy of HealthCare Providers in the Addictive Disorders The Handbook of Addictive Disorders: A Practical Guide toDiagnosis and Treatment is a comprehensive, state-of-the-artresource, featuring valuable contributions from a multidisciplinaryteam of leading experts. This unique guide deftly defines addictionand examines its comorbidity with other problems. Subsequentchapters present an overview of addictive disorders coupled withstrategies for accurately diagnosing them, planning effectivetreatment, and selecting appropriate interventions. Chapters onpublic policy and prevention are of indispensable value in light ofthis growing health concern. The only reference available to cover the full spectrum ofaddictions and addictive behaviors, the Handbook of AddictiveDisorders provides the most current research and treatmentstrategies for overcoming: Chemical dependency Workaholism Compulsive gambling Eating disorders Sex addiction Compulsive buying This useful guide features case studies, figures and diagrams,lists of practical interventions for each disorder, andself-assessment exercises for clients. Psychologists, addiction counselors, social workers, and othersworking in the addictions field will find the Handbook ofAddictive Disorders to be an essential resource for practical,validated information on all types of addictions and their relatedproblems.

Over the past decade, legal wagering has expanded rapidly in North America. In 1998 alone, people lost 50 billion dollars in legal betting and it is estimated that illegal wagering is twice that amount. A recent government report, based on the broadest population survey, concludes that the lifetime and pathological gamblers in the U.S. range between 4 and 10 million persons and is growing. If we include the families affected by problem gambling then the potential impact is indeed prodigious. Virtually no community in the U.S. and Canada is left untouched by entertainment or problem gambling. Treating problem gambling has evolved from a small group of practitioners in the 1980's working in specialty impatient units into an international enterprise that affects the caseload of many mental health professionals. Owing to its quiet origins, problem gambling treatment strategies are not well known throughout the clinical community. Consequently the average clinician is him/herself "learning as they go." This approach does not benefit either client or therapist. As the book's first chapter makes clear, problem gambling differs significantly from substance abuse, its nearest clinical relative. Not attending to these differences leads to poor results and clinical failure. This book is the one essential tool needed by clinicians treating or likely to treat problem gambling. Written by a clinician with wide experience, it is intended for the general clinician treating or likely to treat problem gambling desiring a comprehensive, yet user-friendly guide. Assessment and treatment of problem gambling and those affected by it is discussed Includes diagnostic instruments developed by the author An integrative approach is taken with a special focus on cultural concerns and clinical applications for women and minorities Integration of spirituality in treatment is covered

A newly revised and updated look at the rising popularity of legalized gambling and its detrimental effects on individuals and society. "It is a call to action." --Tony Campolo

This book is an introduction to the topic of problem gambling and its treatment. Throughout the book, a variety of different data and information is drawn upon to understand problem gambling and its treatment. The data is based on solid research whenever possible. This includes the results of both survey research and case studies. The book follows a logical sequence, beginning with the development of an understanding of problem gambling and ending with a discussion of different kinds of treatment. Chapter 1 deals with the various terms that have been used to describe problem gambling. The focus of Chapter 2 is problem gambling as an addiction. Chapter 3 focuses on the assessment and diagnosis of problem gambling. Chapter 4 deals with the question of how widespread is problem gambling? In Chapter 5, the social costs of problem gambling are explored. In Chapter 6, how people find their way to treatment and obstacles to seeking treatment are dealt with. Chapter 7 discusses the primary strategies for the treatment of problem gambling (behavioral and cognitive therapy). Relapse is dealt with, too. Gamblers Anonymous, a self-help recovery group, is discussed in Chapter 8. Chapter 9 deals with public policy issues in the treatment of problem gambling. The book will be useful as an introductory text for students taking courses in counseling, mental health and illness, social work, social problems and public policy. Public policymakers involved in the legalization, expansion, and regulation of commercial gambling will also find the book useful.

This first book on the history of gambling examines how it became a major social problem in the United States, and how it was made into a medical disorder.

As states have moved from merely tolerating gambling to running their own games, as communities have increasingly turned to gambling for an economic boost, important questions arise. Has the new age of gambling increased the proportion of pathological or problem gamblers in the U.S. population? Where is the threshold between "social betting" and pathology? Is there a real threat to our families, communities, and the larger society? Pathological Gambling explores America's experience of gambling, examining: The diverse and frequently controversial issues surrounding the definition of pathological gambling. Its co-occurrence with disorders such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and depression. Its social characteristics and economic consequences, both good and bad, for communities. The role of video gaming, Internet gambling, and other technologies in the development of gambling problems. Treatment approaches and their effectiveness, from Gambler's Anonymous to cognitive therapy to pharmacology. This book provides the most up-to-date information available on the prevalence of pathological and problem gambling in the United States, including a look at populations that may have a particular vulnerability to gambling: women, adolescents, and minority populations. Its describes the effects of problem gambling on families, friendships, employment, finances, and propensity to crime. How do pathological gamblers perceive and misperceive randomness and chance? What are the causal pathways to pathological gambling? What do genetics, brain imaging, and other studies tell us about the biology of gambling? Is there a bit of sensation-seeking in all of us? Who needs treatment? What do we know about the effectiveness of different policies for dealing with pathological gambling? The book reviews the available facts and frames the intriguing questions yet to be answered. Pathological Gambling will be the odds-on favorite for anyone interested in gambling in America: policymakers, public officials, economics and social researchers, treatment professionals, and concerned gamblers and their families.