’Tis the season to be scary, so we’ve decided to bring you a spooktacular blog that examines gambling in a new light (or darkness). At first glance, placing bets seems harmless, but gambling has proven to “haunt” thousands of households across America
One reason many people have issues with gambling is the initial allure that conjures thoughts of fun, money and adrenaline.
Picture an adorable dog sitting directly at your feet – his big bulging eyes and puppy-dog face in general. It’s near impossible to resist petting the little fella. You don’t even think about any negative outcomes at first, but what if he’s in a bad mood? Risk vs. reward. Cute, cuddly companionship vs. a firm bite to the hand. Is it worth it?
Gambling can be equally as tempting. But since this is our Halloween edition, replace that puppy with a baby werewolf. Still slightly attractive, but you understand the potentially disastrous consequences of petting it.
Gambling has no fangs or fur. No beady, bloodshot eyes. Instead, it has beautiful, bright lights, high-energy music and images of cash. These marketing tactics are inviting you to play and stay day after day. From blackjack in Atlantic City to daily online sports betting around Meadowlands, NJ, gambling is a deceptive creature that not everybody can deal with.
So, is gambling a trick or a treat? Is it a stalk of celery you get from your grinchy neighbor or more of a king sized Kit-Kat? Here are a few examples of how it can be both:
You play poker every Friday with your friends.
- TREAT – You enjoy spending time with your buddies.
- TRICK – You gain a false sense of confidence in regards to your skill level.
You go to the casino (alone) to test your poker skills.
- TREAT – You have something “adventurous” to share on social media.
- TRICK – You learn how difficult (and stressful) it is to play poker with lifetime gamblers, casino regulars and professional bettors.
You go back to the casino the following day to regain the money you lost in the Texas Hold ’Em tournament.
- TREAT – This is your chance for redemption. You are the star of an underdog tale.
- TRICK – The fun has diminished. You are chasing losses. You begin to take advantage of the complimentary vodka and whiskey. You wake up financially and physically hungover, and you don’t know what to tell your spouse.
According to Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, these scenarios are not meant to scare you. They are to inform you about the realistic possibilities that come with gambling. It doesn’t just stop at casinos. Nowadays, people can gamble at convenience stores, on websites and from their cell phones.
If you know somebody who needs help addressing their problem, the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ can help. Our 1-800-GAMBLER sports betting help hotline is open 24/7/365 for people in the Meadowlands, NJ, and across the entire Garden State. If you need anything, let us know. Thanks for reading, and have a happy, healthy and horror-film-filled Halloween!