Gambling is addictive as drugs and the State of MI is the pusher!

[MizMotown]

I'm gonna come back to this!

[ndavies]

Many drugs aren't addictive. Gambling is only addictive to certain personalities. Why punish those who can control themselves for the sake of the losers who can't?

The state needs the cash.

[iheartthed]

The state needs the cash.

Then the state would be better served to find other sources of revenue. Creating more casinos in Michigan would only drain revenue from the ones that already exist.

[EastsideAl]

Casinos feed off of the addicted gambler, and it is the addicted gamblers that make their business model work. They do everything they can get away with to encourage addicted-style gambling, including limiting contact with the outside world and the lack of a sense of real passage of time.

So, should we get rid of them? Maybe not [[although it bears remembering that we voted against them several times before the state forced them on us). After all, the casino is in many ways just an agent of addiction for some, like a bar, while many other people deal with it in a healthy manner [[if giving away your money to a big corporation in return for a momentary thrill can ever be said to be really "healthy"). But we would do well to keep in mind that gambling is potentially a highly addictive behavior for many people, and that casinos are like a big glowing mound of heroin to the potentially addicted. So having casinos is our midst is in some sense making a bargain with the devil, and will inevitably cast many of us into a cycle akin to a living hell.

[ndavies]

Casinos feed off of the addicted gambler, and it is the addicted gamblers that make their business model work. They do everything they can get away with to encourage addicted-style gambling, including limiting contact with the outside world and the lack of a sense of real passage of time.

So, should we get rid of them? Maybe not [[although it bears remembering that we voted against them several times before the state forced them on us). After all, the casino is in many ways just an agent of addiction for some, like a bar, while many other people deal with it in a healthy manner [[if giving away your money to a big corporation in return for a momentary thrill can ever be said to be really "healthy"). But we would do well to keep in mind that gambling is potentially a highly addictive behavior for many people, and that casinos are like a big glowing mound of heroin to the potentially addicted. So having casinos is our midst is in some sense making a bargain with the devil, and will inevitably cast many of us into a cycle akin to a living hell.

Personally I don't care. I rarely ever gamble, and I greatly appreciate the tax on the stupid that gambling is. Saves me from having to dig into my own pocket for extra taxes.

And just as I can't control the behavior of an alcoholic, john, drug abuser or glutton, I can't control an addicted gambler. They will find a way to use no matter what we do. If we don't provide a legal way for the non addicted to play, they will just take it into underworld and shadows. It makes criminals out of otherwise law abiding citizens. Prohibition on alcohol didn't work, the drug war is a lost cause and prohibition of gambling doesn't work either.

It's better to make it legal, bring it out into the light and then provide help for when the addict hits bottom and asks for it. Instead of a revenue sink of prohibition, legalize it, tax it and use the money taxed from the responsible users to help clean up the the overindulgers.

The headline was just so logic defying I couldn't resist pointing it out.

[MizMotown]

The headline was just so logic defying I couldn't resist pointing it out.

lol.... okay.. is this better for you... Gambling can be as addicting as addictive narcotics and the State pushes gambling on addictied gamblers as much as dope dealers push drugs on drug addicts?????

lol...

[MizMotown]

and noooo i'm NOT saying that addicts don't have a responsibility in it....

it's not the reading some of you can't do, it's the comprehension part!

[MizMotown]

If you noticed lately. It is EVERYWHERE! The grocery store, the casino's, the racetracks, and probably soon to be casino's in racetracks. The gas stations, liquor stores, drugstores, the 3 digit, the 4 digit, seven days a week [[except Christmas), TWICE a day! and that's just the state lottery. Do you think that kids under 18 are not using these machines? That's how I got my cigs when I was under 18.

Compulsive gambling is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. If you're prone to compulsive gambling, you may continually chase bets, may lie or hide your behavior, and may resort to theft or fraud to support your addiction.

[[Sneakes up on you, just like suburban barbies addiction to Xanax)

On rare occasions, gambling becomes a problem with the very first wager. But more often, gambling progresses over time. In fact, you may spend years enjoying social gambling without any ill effects. But more frequent gambling or life stresses can turn casual gambling into something much more serious. During periods of stress or depression, the urge to gamble may be especially overpowering. Eventually, you become almost completely preoccupied with gambling and getting money to gamble.

[MizMotown]

But more frequent gambling or life stresses can turn casual gambling into something much more serious. During periods of stress or depression, the urge to gamble may be especially overpowering.

gee... and with the economic conditions in Detroit and Michigan..... the State is going to SCORE bigtime!!!!!

wake up and smell the coffee

[MizMotown]

The state needs the cash.

hmmmm....I thought the lottery money was for the public schools that are FAILING! It sure would be nice to get a list of which schools get what.

[MizMotown]

just a little more info for those who need a little more education regarding gambling and it's impact on Detroit...

Compulsive gambling affects both men and women and cuts across cultural and socio-economic lines. Although most people who play cards or wager never develop a gambling problem, certain factors can increase your risk:

• <LI class=doublespace>Other behavior or mood disorders. People who gamble often have substance abuse problems as well as mood and personality disorders. Many compulsive gamblers abuse alcohol, and close to three-fourths of compulsive gamblers experience major depression. <LI class=doublespace>Your age. You may be more likely to develop an addiction to gambling if you begin to gamble at a young age. <LI class=doublespace>Your sex. Compulsive gambling generally occurs in men ages 21 to 55, although the incidence is increasing among teenage boys. Far fewer women than men are compulsive gamblers, but women who do gamble may become addicted more quickly. Men tend to play blackjack and cards and to bet on sporting events and horse races. Women are more likely to play the slot machines and bingo. <LI class=doublespace>Location. People who live close to a casino or betting facility are more likely to develop a gambling problem. Even more problematic is access to video lotteries, sometimes called the "crack cocaine" of gambling because of their highly addictive nature. <LI class=doublespace>Family influence. If your parents had a gambling problem, the chances are greater that you will too. <LI class=doublespace>Medications used to treat Parkinson's disease. Medications called dopamine agonists, and in particular pramipexole [[Mirapex), have a rare side effect that results in compulsive behavior in some people.
• Certain personality characteristics. Being highly competitive, a workaholic, restless or easily bored may increase your risk.

Complications
Compulsive gambling can have profound and long-lasting consequences for your life, including:

• Estrangement of family and friends
• Financial problems, including bankruptcy
• Legal problems or incarceration — nearly 90 percent of compulsive gamblers commit felonies
• Job loss or professional stigma
• Development of associated problems, such as alcohol or drug abuse
• Suicide — Gambling hotspots such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City, New Jersey, have some of the highest suicide rates in the country

[MizMotown]

Beam me up Scotty

[Retroit]

Hmmm....

7 posts in 16 minutes on the same thread with no responses in between?

Yes, I would say you are speaking authoritatively about compulsive behavior!

[rjlj]

Free will, thank god for free will.

"free will 
–noun 1.free and independent choice; voluntary decision: You took on the responsibility of your own free will. 2.Philosophy. the doctrine that the conduct of human beings expresses personal choice and is not simply determined by physical or divine forces."

[MizMotown]

free will 
–noun 1.free and independent choice; voluntary decision: You took on the responsibility of your own free will. 2.Philosophy. the doctrine that the conduct of human beings expresses personal choice and is not simply determined by physical or divine forces."

show that to a crack baby

[MizMotown]

okay so i guess we downplay the impact that compulsive gambling may have on the city of Detroit and the availability of gambling by the State...

next....

[gnome]

someone needs to check their elavil perscription

[1KielsonDrive]

If our government decides to do it - it is legal. I didn't say moral or right, I said legal.

[Gistok]

... oh good lord... not another Trainman...

[littlebuddy]

All things have the capacity to take control over a person. Sex, gambling, eating , drinking are the ones most people point to, but controling others, lying, gossip, hobbies, religion, sports,etc. You name something and someone, somewhere, is controled by it. People have to use their free will in wise ways, understanding that other people will use many devices to try to gain control over you in some way. I think all things have the capability to take a person over and destroy their life in some way in they let this happen. It might sneak up on a person, so we always have to be on guard with what is going on in our lifes and around us. If a person finds that they are weak in some area, stay away from whatever could enslave you, until you get the strength to have victory over whatever it is that would enslave you. If you find you cannot get strong enough in some area to have victory to handle it in a postive way, then stay away from it. Don't let pride take you down.

[Meddle]

Two words.

Will power.


For the last 20 years or so, I've lived within a short drive of at least one casino and I see lottery tickets in every store I go to.

But I have will power, so it's not a problem for me.