Slot Machines Affect Structure (Part IV)

Besides all the money that has to go into making it successful in terms of housing, schooling, etc. there is another side that must be explored as well. The affect that gambling has on the crime rate of the town, as well as the psyche of the town.

Gambling addiction is a very real problem, and those that play the slot machines have the worst problems of all. Slot machines are often referred to as “the crack cocaine of gambling” and many find it very difficult to quit once they have started. With the moving of slot machines into many Pennsylvanians back yards, they expect to see a much higher number of gambling addicts starting to show up.

According to studies, at least 20% of gambling addicts have tried to commit suicide, with another 70-90% having considered it. The addiction to gambling is so strong, that the gambling industry estimates that approximately 4% of our population is addicted to slot machines or some other form of gambling. The gambling itself is not the end of it – there are people who are committing crimes, stealing, etc., to support their habit. Businesses are losing money from employees who are stealing from them so they can play the slot machines, or they just aren’t showing up for work. There are those who gamble until they lose it all, and then have to declare bankruptcy because they have literally gambled their lives away.

The affect of slot machines can be felt for miles outside of the center of it as well. It is hardest for those just right around the corner from the slot machines, but it is found that those anywhere up to 50 miles outside of a gambling community have just as many problems as well. It affects everyone.

Next time: Politics as usual

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