Whenever you think of gambling, you are probably thinking of a game of chance that involves a wager on something that has a value. However, there is more to it than that. Gambling involves three key components, namely risk, prize, and strategy. All three components must be considered when deciding whether or not you should gamble.
Social games aren’t considered gambling
tiddily, a social gaming community has sprung up in my neck of the woods. A quick search online and you are greeted with the likes of fellow gamer geeks. The best part is that it’s free. Most social gaming sites offer an exemplary service, which is great news for the hard-pressed gaming enthusiast. For those with a more conservative disposition, the social sphere can be a nice place to unwind after a long day in the office. Unlike many gimmicks of the past, social gaming is a legitimate pastime. In fact, some sites offer a full fledged social club that has its own Facebook page. Unlike many social networks, social gaming sites are not akin to a sandbox. Moreover, social gaming sites offer a plethora of features to boot, with a full-time, live moderator in-house.
Legality of gambling in Nevada
Among the many Nevada casinos, the Las Vegas Valley Casino is the crown jewel. It is also the country’s largest resort. The site has more than 5,000 slot machines, including some of the best video poker in the country. The casino’s tax revenues come in at a healthy quarter billion dollars a year.
The state of Nevada has one of the best gambling cultures in the country. A lot of this has to do with the state’s rich and famous residents, which include the likes of Jay Z and Beyoncé. But the state’s casinos have also drawn tourists from far and wide to its sands. Nevada’s casinos have also legalized a number of other games, including some of the most popular card and table games in the country.
As for the state’s gambling laws, Nevada’s aren’t all that stringent. There are only a handful of states with more lenient gambling regulations, including Nevada, Hawaii, and Montana. The state’s casinos have long been a destination for both locals and tourists, and the state is now home to the country’s largest casino industry.
Medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome may result in compulsive gamblers
Medications that are used to treat restless legs syndrome can increase the risk of compulsive gambling and other impulse control problems. A Mayo Clinic study, for example, found that one patient lost more than $140,000 due to gambling.
Researchers theorize that strong stimulation in certain neuronal pathways can trigger compulsive behaviors. The impulse control problems, which can include amylophagia (starch eating), binge eating, compulsive buying, and sexual behavior, were reported in one out of every three patients who were prescribed dopamine agonists.
The newer generation of dopamine agonists targets brain structures involved in motivation and reward. However, researchers note that long-term treatment with these drugs may lead to tolerance and reduce the effectiveness of their effects.
The Mayo Clinic researchers say that patients should be screened for impulse control problems when they start treatment with dopamine agonists. They recommend that physicians monitor patients for compulsive gambling and other impulse control disorders.
Dopamine agonists are often prescribed to treat restless legs syndrome. In addition to the risk of impulse control problems, they can also lead to worsening of symptoms.
Managing a loved one’s gambling addiction
Managing a loved one’s gambling addiction can be difficult. It can affect your emotional and physical health, as well as your relationship. You may feel stressed, embarrassed, and even guilty. It can also affect your social life and financial status.
Gambling addiction can also be associated with depression, headaches, and stomach disorders. Fortunately, gambling addiction is treatable. A licensed interventionist can guide you through the recovery process.
The first step in helping your loved one is to recognize the signs of addiction. Then you can begin learning how to help them recover. A licensed interventionist can also help you set up an action plan.
Your loved one may have lied to you, stole from you, and even sold family possessions to cover his or her gambling habit. If you’re concerned about your loved one’s gambling habits, you may want to find a treatment center or help line to get more information.
Gambling addiction can affect people of all ages and genders. Problem gamblers may experience anxiety, depression, and headaches. They may also suffer from high blood pressure and stomach disorders.