Gambling industry is using big tobaccos playbook

[tread93]

I recently came across this article that talks about how much gambling is basically becoming a 'global health crisis' I found this very interesting because i've always known it was an addiction for some people, but I guess covid really sparked the gambling itch for so many people, and people in the industry have been able to manpulate the government in what would be seen as a conflict of interest to have more influence in law and government to help right the wrongs that they created and help bypass a lot of corporate responsibility.

Here is the article:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/88xvw3/gambling-industry-is-using-big-tobaccos-playbook-health-experts-warn?utm_campaign=later-linkinbio-motherboardvice&utm_content=later-38076005&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkin.bio

Here are a few clips from the article that stood out to me:

"The experts, who work at universities in Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Tanzania, together published an editorial in the peer-reviewed journal Health Promotion International this month arguing that the gambling industry has become “one of the most innovative health-harming industries of recent times,” in part by operating “from a similar playbook” to the tobacco and alcohol industries. The experts say the development poses “widespread threats to global public health.” "

"In the U.S., the popularity of online gambling has grown rapidly in recent years, fueled in large part by an aggressive lobbying campaign by the sports betting industry to legalize the practice across the country. As of 2023, sports betting is legal in more than 30 states around the country.

The rise of online gambling in the U.S. and abroad has led to a rise in the number of young men grappling with gambling addiction, which can cause financial and psychological issues for both the gamblers and those around them.  As many as half of people with a gambling addiction suffer with suicidal ideation, according to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling.

The “omnipresent” and loosely regulated barrage of gambling advertisements online and on television—often featuring a celebrity endorsement— have only helped to further normalize the industry to children at a young age, the authors state, adding that educational programs and treatment programs for children to learn about responsible gambling have even begun to be sponsored by the industry itself."


If anyone on here is suffering from a gambling addiction and you are experiencing signs of self harm and feel that you cannot stop DO NOT BE SILENT! Seek the help of your family and friends, no matter how embarrassing you may feel. It could honestly save your life and save your well being.

I just thought that this was really important to share. Good luck and be safe out there guys!

TREAD

[dawsoncarey]

Australians have traditionally enjoyed gambling as a past time and form of pleasure. Australians may gamble conveniently from home thanks to the internet gaming sector.  Mate Casino is one such website https://casinomate3.com/ that is a prime example of superior support. Many Australian gamblers are increasingly choosing online gambling platforms as their preferred means of gaming as a result of the growing trend in technology.

[Fiatless]

The rise of online gambling in the U.S. and abroad has led to a rise in the number of young men grappling with gambling addiction, which can cause financial and psychological issues for both the gamblers and those around them.  As many as half of people with a gambling addiction suffer with suicidal ideation, according to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling.

This is not just the problem of gambling, it is majorly the effect of ICT. The internet has made the accessibility of almost every activity easy. With a mobile phone, you can place a bet in any casino or sports bet platform. Due to the internet here is also a rise in drug, pornography, and alcohol addiction which has led to an increase in depression and suicide.

The “omnipresent” and loosely regulated barrage of gambling advertisements online and on television—often featuring a celebrity endorsement— have only helped to further normalize the industry to children at a young age, the authors state, adding that educational programs and treatment programs for children to learn about responsible gambling have even begun to be sponsored by the industry itself."

Most children see these celebrities as their role models, so there is a need to make policies that will protect children from underage gambling. The use of sports stars, musicians, and other celebrities for promotion should be limited to some websites with fewer children's views and erring gambling firms should be sanctioned accordingly.

If anyone on here is suffering from a gambling addiction and you are experiencing signs of self harm and feel that you cannot stop DO NOT BE SILENT! Seek the help of your family and friends, no matter how embarrassing you may feel. It could honestly save your life and save your well being.

I just thought that this was really important to share. Good luck and be safe out there guys!

TREAD

Some people keep their gambling life secret from family members and friends so they might be scared of speaking to anyone. One good thing about the internet is that it can also help you to seek help from any part of the world. You can access or contact an online gambling therapist and get the needed help. Most gamblers who became depressed and started having suicidal thoughts failed to seek help. There is no shame in seeking help, after all, everybody has personal problems.

[Casdinyard]

Isn't it proven that the biggest cause of death for most gamblers who frequent casino is either liver complications brought about by alcoholism, or lung cancer? Biggest example that I could think of is a vlogger in the Philippines who died from second-hand smoking in casinos. He frequented these gambling spaces to unwind after a long shoot and from there, he was able to huff large amounts of toxic fumes which lead to him developing a terminal case of lung cancer that led to his death in 2014. It was a big thing here back then cause they were really famous. In any case I can definitely see the connection between the two, mentally and physically speaking.

Gambling's just as addicting as any other abusable substance out there, if you don't control yourself it's going to control you and your life.

[mu_enrico]

Being a gambler without addiction problems, I couldn't comprehend why gambling is such a big deal since to me it's just like any other game. Like I can't stop smoking/vaping and can't stop drinking coffee, but stop gambling is just easy... extremely easy. Therefore "Global Health Crisis" is such an incredible exaggeration from my perspective, like how come? Anyway, I guess it varies across people and most people are prone to gambling addiction but it's unbelievable to me.

[maydna]

Gambling addiction may replace drug and cigarette addiction because there is already a ban on smoking anywhere in several countries, and drugs are clearly prohibited in many countries. Meanwhile, gambling is legalized in several countries, and online casinos have become a comfortable place to gamble for many people. And since COVID-19, people who can't go anywhere have started to use online casinos to entertain themselves because many have felt the frustration of being unable to leave the house freely.

Unfortunately, this is not accompanied by providing clear information about the dangers or impacts people can experience when they gamble too often, so many of them start to experience gambling addiction. This requires serious attention from the government to try to help people who are addicted to gambling so that they can start undergoing the healing process. But this also requires the desire of the gambling addict to open up and be willing to undergo therapy sessions.

[ryzaadit]

They keep it running, because the tax is massive.

Even we all know from gambling sector who can bring people get gambling addiction, and get serious problem like financial and worst scenario make a crime is started. But in the US, they all know the sector gambling bring a good tax for them.

Not easy to confess the trust about share a gambling problem to our friend or family.

[mindrust]

Covid lockdowns affected so many people in so many ways and often in a negative way. Lots of people lost their jobs, businesses, life savings… Some people changed their daily routines and became addicted to gambling at home. The markets still suffer and haven’t recovered from the losses from the last year and the interest rates are still very high. If this continues like this, lots of people will lose their jobs and these unemployed people will find their fake happiness in addictions. (Smoking, drinking, gambling…) Smoking is not as harmful as people think as long as if you smoke once a week or once a month but people consume these little cancer sticks like eating crackers. That’s where it gets out of hand. Same goes with drinking alcohol and gambling.

[www.Gambler.Casino]

I think casinos should have separate rooms or smoking areas with good ventilation.
Ordinary people should not suffer from smoke pollution

[Yatsan]

Covid lockdowns affected so many people in so many ways and often in a negative way. Lots of people lost their jobs, businesses, life savings… Some people changed their daily routines and became addicted to gambling at home. The markets still suffer and haven’t recovered from the losses from the last year and the interest rates are still very high. If this continues like this, lots of people will lose their jobs and these unemployed people will find their fake happiness in addictions. (Smoking, drinking, gambling…) Smoking is not as harmful as people think as long as if you smoke once a week or once a month but people consume these little cancer sticks like eating crackers. That’s where it gets out of hand. Same goes with drinking alcohol and gambling.

Smoking will never be harmless;chemicals and dregree of smokers. The only thing we should breath is oxygen and no other substances.If it is with smoking, vices are just part of it; it is most of the gamblers’ way to overcome the tention in gambling but will never be a good decision if there are things which matters the most. Gambling industry may use any field such as tobacco and other companies as long as funds are secured and every problem can be resolved.Best way right now is to let ourselves out fron our confort zone given that the market price of Bitcoin won’t increase in a serious and consistent manner.

[btc_angela]

I think casinos should have separate rooms or smoking areas with good ventilation.
Ordinary people should not suffer from smoke pollution

In the casino that I frequented, there is a designated table for smoking and non-smoking. But to tell you the trust, I was able to stopped my smoking habits after more than 20 years on it. I remember back then when I was playing on let's say a baccarat table, I will open smoke very often and I will bring at least 2 packs in a 2-3 span of gambling addiction.

But in 2021, about the same month today, I just wake up and decided that I don't want to smoke anymore. And I was able to do that, now I'm free, and I will tell you that it's not that hard, as long as you are willing to do that. And I didn't experience cold turkey as others have felt when they quit. I guess it's more on the mental thingy. So up to know, I never comes back to smoking even if I go gambling from time to time.

[goldkingcoiner]

I guess covid really sparked the gambling itch for so many people

I totally agree. People were bored out of their minds while trapped inside their own homes. A situation like that was a godsend for online gambling casinos. Especially those who like to play dirty. But then again, most big corporations are evil. Not only gambling or tobacco. Even a sweet nostalgic brand as Nestle is quite evil, if you have been following their outrageous "business tactics". The fat cats are all extremely vile and evil people. Thats probably what it takes to become so big in the first place. A complete disregard for everyone else but yourself.

[Kelvinid]

The gambling industry is growing fast when people have nothing to do during lockdowns. Some people thought this was just their pastime while they were at home, unfortunately, the results seems not really great as more people got into addiction. More people who get involved in gambling don't just get addicted but also have health and mental issues.
I couldn't agree that we put all the blame on gambling for this but as an individual, it is our responsibility not to fall into this if we think it wisely.
It is our fault, that is the truth.

[Text]

There's nothing wrong with gambling, especially if it's not prohibited in your area, as long as you are aware and responsible for what you're getting into. That's what a player who wants to try gambling should remember: don't become addicted. Because once you become addicted, it will be difficult for you to get out. You'll end up spending more time on gambling than on more beneficial things. If you're always in the gambling scene, you may be influenced to develop other bad habits like drinking and smoking, and you might even get addicted to those until your life loses its meaning because everything is affected: your health, your money, your relationships with old friends, and especially your family. So, just treat gambling as a form of entertainment and don't take it too seriously.

[Wexnident]

Isn't it more like gambling addiction causes them to swerve into drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes? It's something more like a medium of sorts that pushes people towards doing these two kinds of things. Even if you consider gambling addiction, it's simply a sickness where the person themselves try to gamble more and more money away, regardless of its source, and if they don't have any, they experience psychological problems that push them to other vices.

And really, by that logic, depression and the like can be a major cause as well and you haven't seen them combating the sources of that right? While I do know it may vary (such as family problems, stress due to financial issues, etc), gambling itself could be considered as a specific type of depression like those that I listed.

And besides, even if you consider it as an issue, it's going to be the same thing as how they tackled cigarettes and alcohol. They posted warnings but that's it, they still allow its circulation. Why? It's a damn profitable business after all.

[Docnaster]

I think casinos should have separate rooms or smoking areas with good ventilation.
Ordinary people should not suffer from smoke pollution

In the casino that I frequented, there is a designated table for smoking and non-smoking. But to tell you the trust, I was able to stopped my smoking habits after more than 20 years on it. I remember back then when I was playing on let's say a baccarat table, I will open smoke very often and I will bring at least 2 packs in a 2-3 span of gambling addiction.

But in 2021, about the same month today, I just wake up and decided that I don't want to smoke anymore. And I was able to do that, now I'm free, and I will tell you that it's not that hard, as long as you are willing to do that. And I didn't experience cold turkey as others have felt when they quit. I guess it's more on the mental thingy. So up to know, I never comes back to smoking even if I go gambling from time to time.

Combining gambling and smoking spot in the same space I think isn't a healthy idea as it has high chances of potentially affecting the health of people who comes there to gamble. Gambling isn't a bad engagement when the person who's gambling is absolutely in control of his gambling activities but when the person becomes addicted in gambling, it becomes a big problem to not just himself but to the society he finds himself because he's likely to engage in other criminal activities in other to quickly recover the money he loses in gambling. Smoking creates big health issues for the lungs as it damages the lungs but when someone loses money in gambling and is provided with were he can smoke, he'll likely get involved in excessive smoking just to try and get out of depression.

[madnessteat]

There's nothing wrong with gambling, especially if it's not prohibited in your area, as long as you are aware and responsible for what you're getting into. That's what a player who wants to try gambling should remember: don't become addicted. Because once you become addicted, it will be difficult for you to get out. You'll end up spending more time on gambling than on more beneficial things. If you're always in the gambling scene, you may be influenced to develop other bad habits like drinking and smoking, and you might even get addicted to those until your life loses its meaning because everything is affected: your health, your money, your relationships with old friends, and especially your family. So, just treat gambling as a form of entertainment and don't take it too seriously.

Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking habits are more likely to be related to lifestyle, wealth and environment than to gambling. If a person has learned to be responsible about gambling, he or she is more likely to be responsible about other things in his or her life. If a person does not know how to limit himself in something, he will find problems anywhere - whether it is food, alcohol, smoking, sex, etc. Therefore, it is not right to blame gambling at all.

[ethereumhunter]

The gambling industry is growing fast when people have nothing to do during lockdowns. Some people thought this was just their pastime while they were at home, unfortunately, the results seems not really great as more people got into addiction. More people who get involved in gambling don't just get addicted but also have health and mental issues.
I couldn't agree that we put all the blame on gambling for this but as an individual, it is our responsibility not to fall into this if we think it wisely.
It is our fault, that is the truth.

The pandemic allows online businesses to grow more rapidly because many people cannot go anywhere and must stay home. Many people are frustrated because by staying at home, they cannot meet their neighbors and can only chat via telephone or video call. Online businesses use this well and offer pick-up and delivery services, making things easier for their customers.

These people were lucky to use the internet freely at home, so many started uploading their activities at home. And some people start looking for other entertainment by watching videos or playing gambling. And online casinos also see this opportunity as a way to get new customers. Online casinos were able to gain huge profits from the pandemic, while many offline businesses were unable to continue operating.

[madnessteat]

~snip~

Don't you think this is just another redistribution of the gambling market? I think the issue of drug use and distribution in the United States is much more acute. At least on Twitter you can see crowds of drug addicts in various US cities that the authorities do not care about. Why don't they solve this problem? I'll tell you - because they can't make money in this field. There's a lot of money in gambling. Apparently the authorities need more taxes, so they're inflating the gambling problem.

[retreat]

We cannot rule out the factor that technological developments have made the gambling industry grow as it is today. The growth of the gambling industry not only has positive impacts, such as taxes, jobs, etc., but also has negative impacts where the number of gambling addicts is increasing and the number of underage children exposed to gambling is increasing. In this significant development of the gambling industry, it is important to create regulations so that this negative impact does not become more massive and cause even worse damage.
Prohibiting people from gambling is not a solution, because after all it is people's right to gamble, but more comprehensive regulations are needed which regulate the gambling industry so that it does not grow massively and reaches people who should not be exposed to it, such as children, the poor, etc.