The Social Costs of Slot Machine Addiction
Modern slot machines account for up to 75% of casino gambling revenues and are highly addictive, yet our industry and lawmakers continue to promote responsible gambling while problem gambling rates continue to climb.
Earl Grinols conducted an unconventional economic impact study, concluding that gambling has social costs which are nearly half as great as those caused by drug abuse annually.
Increased Crime Rates
Gambling addiction causes many issues for individuals and their families beyond just an increase in crime rates, including financial problems that lead to bankruptcy and relationship disruption and stress. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the signs of slot machine addiction early on and seek treatment immediately.
An Illinois professor estimates that the annual social cost of gambling in America now surpasses drug abuse estimates, according to Economist Earl Grinols of Chicago State University. Grinols believes gambling costs more than revenues collected by governments from legal casinos; crime, lost work time, bankruptcies and financial hardship related to gambling equal or exceed casino profits as costs.
Increased Bankruptcy Rates
Gambling addiction often leaves its victims saddled with debt that they cannot repay. This can result in legal problems, lost jobs and homelessness for those diagnosed. Gambling disorder also has adverse repercussions for family members such as spouses who may develop trauma disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder due to domestic abuse within the household.
Numerous studies have employed economic impact analysis to measure the benefits and costs associated with gambling, but most rely on estimates taken directly from other studies without further analysis (Grinols 1995).
Studies that investigate gambling tend to focus more on identifying its benefits than on accurately estimating its costs, thus potentially making this type of analysis less reliable than economic impact analyses conducted with greater precision.
Increased Stress
Gambling addiction and an unrealistic expectation that big wins are “due” can become a significant drain on one’s resources and life, leading to family neglect and personal responsibility being neglected, with potential dire repercussions for both health and well-being.
Slot machines may appear benign, but they’re highly addictive. These devices use flashing lights and arcade sounds to lure in players before turning them into nothing more than button pushers in an automated process. Slot machines offer psychologically deceptive forms of gambling which can turn even those not predisposed towards addiction into gambling addicts – with devastating social costs including crime, bankruptcy and stress for society at large resulting. It may also be difficult to identify and treat.
Increased Mental Health Issues
Gambling addiction can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which in turn may contribute to physical ailments like stomach issues, high blood pressure and headaches.
Gamblers may also suffer from insomnia and other sleep disorders. Their stress may even exacerbate eating disorders that arise as a result of gambling addiction.
Children affected by their parent’s gambling can experience feelings of betrayal, fear, anxiety and low self-esteem. Constant reminders of gambling may even prompt risky behaviors or even addiction themselves – an ideal way to prevent these negative outcomes is seeking treatment for gambling addiction; either alone or with help from a family counselor or support group.
Increased Homelessness
Studies have shown that gambling problems can contribute to homelessness, as people addicted to gambling may spend money they don’t have and face financial hardship, leading to housing loss. Furthermore, families of gamblers frequently lack emotional support which can cause feelings of depression and isolation.
Social stigma associated with gambling can make it more difficult for homeless individuals to access treatment, leading them down a downward spiral that can eventually end in homelessness. While prevalence rates can differ greatly depending on localized factors like social support systems for PG/GD sufferers and gambling legislations, this may explain why certain studies report lower prevalence rates.