Betting Fever -- Do Marriages Lose?
More countries are easing their gaming laws. Advanced technology such as the Internet allows more gambling opportunities. As a result, gambling has increased over the last two decades.In 1996, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission was formed by the U.S. Congress. It was given the task conducting a "comprehensive legal and factual study of the social and economic impacts of gambling on federal, state, local, and Native American tribal governments; and on communities and social institutions." Kay Coles James, NGISC chairperson, explained to the Associated Press, "What we're saying is: There's not enough information, we need more research, we need more data, and whatever direction you're going to go, a pause is a prudent course at this point in time."
For many, gambling is pure entertainment. People enjoy buying a lottery ticket now and then, betting on the horses, or going to a local casino. The gaming industry creates many job opportunities and revenues for governments and communities. Yet, for others, compulsive gambling also ruins lives and destroys marriages. Relationships can deteriorate as the gambling behavior causes neglect. Jobs and a family's financial security can be jeopardized. There are also studies that point out that gambling costs a community more than it brings in.
So, are there consequences of gambling on marriage? For the majority of people who gamble responsibly, no. "Today, the vast majority of Americans either gamble recreationally and experience no measurable side effects related to their gambling, or they choose not to gamble at all. (NGISC Final Report, Chapter 1: Overview) However, for those who do have a gambling problem, these negative effects are noted.
- 20% of problem gamblers attempt suicide.
- Many gambling addicts will not seek treatment.
- Trust between spouses is destroyed.
- Resentment grows and undermines a marriage.
- Increase in domestic violence.
- Much higher rate of divorce or separation.
- Financial hardship.
