Abstract
This paper begins by describing addictive gambling and what causes it. It then cites various examples of compulsive gamblers and the devastation that they have experienced as a result of their addiction. It explains their behavioral problems and patterns. Finally the paper lists resources such a Gamblers Anonymous and other treatments available for compulsive gambling.

From the Paper
"Many people today suffer from a variety of addictions. The first assumption commonly related with addiction is substance abuse, addiction to a drug or alcohol. While drug and alcohol abuse are serious issues that people battle with everyday, there is an emerging addiction that is similar to substance abuse with effects that are just as devastating. Addiction to gambling is a serious problem that is plaguing our country slowly and unnoticeably. Not only is gambling addicting for some people, it can have devastating effects on the addict and the addict's family. Evidence supports the probability that many people are not aware of the increase of gambling addicts in society and furthermore are unaware of the effects of problem gambling. However, after studies of problem gamblers involving what drives a gambling addict, there are resources to help cure addictive gamblers."

Tags:Pathological, legalized, lottery, Atlantic, City, casino, alcoholism

Abstract
In this paper, the writer argues that gambling addiction is a serious problem that affects people regardless of their gender, although demographics and culture may vary in different areas. The writer looks at six perspectives on compulsive gambling from the existing literature on the subject, at times looking at specific questions of gender, which respectively are representative of social, cognitive and developmental perspectives. The writer maintains that men and women gamble differently and have different ages of onset for chronic gambling problems, often according to culture and gender roles. The writer concludes that chronic gambling affects both men and women, but in different ways, which can be seen through perspectives in existing literature.

Outline:
Introduction
Social
Cognitive
Developmental
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Compulsive gambling from this standpoint starts as a social activity, but winds up an isolating one.
"The theory of social learning or social behavior is also prominent among theories explaining addictive behavior, because when children see their parents gambling or playing cards for money all the time, it gives them exposure. Also, when adolescents rebel against their parents and see their friends gambling on sports games and gambling with cards, this is also a strong time for peer pressure which could cause addictive behavior. So generally the cause has to be tailored to the individual, so that the treatment and prevention efforts can continue in the same way, from a social development perspective of psychology. "

Tags:addiction, development, disorder, men, women

Abstract
This paper describes the symptoms and consequences of problematic gambling. First, various types of legal and illegal gambling are illustrated. Then, the author elaborates how we live in a gaming society. A list of the beginning symptoms of problematic gambling is given as well. The author then profiles the mentality that can lead to compulsive gambling. Finally, the author lists ten aspects that indicate problem gambling or possibly pathological gambling, which indicate a crisis situation. The author concludes that individuals exhibiting this kind of behavior should seek therapeutic intervention.

From the Paper
"This is when gambling takes its most disruptive form, using money that is not earmarked for play or leisure time. If one gambles, they should really just use some extra money that they can afford to lose, that they did not borrow from anybody, and that they did not draw on a credit card limit. If they are using these disposable funds doing this, then it is safe to say that gambling is recreational and under control. Anything more qualifies for the aforementioned problem areas."

Tags:casinos, addiction, intervention, gamblers anonymous, obsessive behavior

Abstract
The paper emphasizes the important role gambling can play in society, both in the economic and business sectors as well as in the charitable and community fields. The paper then contrasts this with the problems that compulsive gambling can lead to, such as crime and social dysfunction. The paper concludes by stressing the need to strike a balance in order to obtain the advantages of gambling, but evade its harmful impacts.

From the Paper
"Many people see gambling as an evil, as Thorstein Veblen stated that gambling is "a hindrance to the highest industrial efficiency of the aggregate in any community where it prevails" and concluded that "it should be seen as destructive in an industrial society" (Veblen, 1899 cited in Campell, Felicia,1976). On the other hand, some people think that "gambling makes up a major portion of the economy, show that, by and large, gambling is beneficial to the gambler and increases rather than decreases his efficiency and productivity" (Campell, Felicia, 1976).

Tags:growth, spending, investment, freedom, damage, abuse

Abstract
The writer discusses that the positive effects of organized gambling on many aspects of modern life outweigh the harmful effects predicted by those who oppose legalizing organized gambling. The author mentions that opponents have beaten the drum concerning addiction to gambling, characterizing it as demonic and likely to ruin the lives of countless millions, as drug and alcohol addiction are said to do. Proponents of legalizing organized gambling contend, instead, that gambling is not an addiction, but a choice, and that the revenues to be derived from legalizing organized gambling can be used to among other things help reduce the real addictions in the United States to narcotics and alcohol.

From the Paper
"Whether or not there is any truly psychological or pathological component in gambling (and Vatz makes a good case that there is not), there are positive societal effects of gambling, not least of which is the contribution it makes to the modern economy. For example, with dotcoms having plunged from their initial moneymaking heights, "The online gambling industry remains one of the Internet's few cash cows, with much of its success owed to an increase in demand from U.S. consumers" (Krebs, 2003). Despite the efforts of various politicians, such as the Maryland Speaker of the House, to curb gambling in various states, the virtually untouchable Internet makes it possible for anyone, anywhere to gamble. Americans are responsible, globally, for most of the growth in online gambling. The U.S. General Accounting Office projected Internet gambling revenues at above $5 billion in 2003, "with 50 to 70 percent of that revenue from U.S. customers" (Krebs, 2003)."

Tags:betting, compulsive, addiction, revenue

Abstract
This paper examines pathological gambling as a disease. The author examines the various stages that one undergoes, the threats that gambling imposes and the different symptoms and solutions to the disorder.

From the Paper
"Pathological gambling is often called a "hidden addiction" since prominent indications such as needle tracks or impaired conversation skills cannot be observed in this disorder. However, pathological gambling can be as destructive as other forms of addiction such as chemical dependency. Some similarities can be found between pathological gambling and chemical dependency. For example, many of those compulsive gamblers experience an inability to stop the addiction, severe depression, mood swings, and low self-esteem just as many drug addicts or alcoholics do. Also the characteristics of pathological gambling- the sudden euphoria and the marked dysphoria- are similar to the characteristics of dependency on cocaine."

Tags:12, addiction, behavior, compulsive, counseling, gambler, gambling, group, hidden, las, obsessive, pathological, problem, recovery, relapse, step, therapy, treatment, vegas

Abstract
This paper looks at the public policy issue of whether slot machine gambling should be legalized in Maryland. The paper looks at the benefits of putting such a policy into action, as well as what the negative effects would be if such a policy were not enacted.

From the Paper
"The major policy issue presented in the July 5, 2004 Washington Post article "Pa. Lawmakers Approve Slots, Troubling Ehlrich" is whether the State of Maryland should revisit its current gambling policy of not allowing slot machines to operate in the state, and instead change the policy to legalize slot machine gambling in Maryland. The issue of slot machine gambling has some urgency, arising from the State of Pennsylvania recently passing legislation allowing 61,000 slot machines at more than a dozen sites in the state. Following the actions of legislators in Pennsylvania, the State of Maryland is now surrounded by states with legalized slot machine gambling. The fear of proponents for slot machine gambling in Maryland, including Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), is that the state will continue to see money leave the state as residents go elsewhere to gamble. Money will not only leave the state as residents gamble elsewhere, but the state government's revenues will be adversely impacted as well, since new revenues through in-state gambling will not be realized under the current policy. The current policy of not allowing gambling could therefore impact other economic, social and environmental policies."

Tags:pennsylvania, gaming, locations, compulsive, economic, disadvantaged, revenue, sources

Abstract
Compulsive behavior surrounds us daily, but when used with the Internet as a vehicle to feed individuals' compulsive behaviors, certain control features should be in place, whether it be government control or through private organizations. The paper focuses on compulsive behaviors exercised through the use of the Internet. Web surfing alone can be addictive and can be considered compulsive behavior when it interferes with ones daily life. This paper examines several growing activities in cyberspace, such as gambling and pornography, how information systems are used, and how this kind of activity impacts the audiences. The paper reveals the types of organizations that support, and those that oppose, excessive behavioral activities in cyberspace and summarizes their views and beliefs.

From the Paper
"Pornography was once the province of magazines or rundown movie theaters. With the advent of the Internet, pornography can be created and distributed in a matter of minutes. While most agree that soft core pornography may be indecent, it has socially redeeming value as an example of freedom of speech. On the other hand, hard core pornography, or worse child pornography, may be created and distributed with equal ease to soft core pornography. When comparing soft core pornography to child pornography, one can easily see the opposite ends of the continuum between indecent behavior and obscene behavior. In other words, viewing soft core pornography may be seen as legal, but in poor taste. Viewing child pornography must been seen as obscene and illegal."

Tags:cyberporn, lottery, web

Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of compulsive or pathological gambling. Specifically, it discusses pathological gamblers and why they do not gamble for entertainment or retreatist purposes, but rather to try to chase their losses and beat the machine or the game they are playing.

From the Paper
"How do people become pathological gamblers? Most experts agree that pathological gambling usually begins with a significant gaming win. These experts note, "These windfalls self-gratify the player's perception of competence and power, whereas losses are perceived as circumstances of chance" (Barker and Britz 115). Thus, most pathological gamblers begin with social gambling, but graduate to more activity after they win a significant amount. The authors continue, "Graduation to the 'losing' phase is punctuated with periods of deceptive activity--designed to elicit funds to replenish depleted accounts and provide capital to 'chase' monies lost (Barker and Britz 115). Most experts agree this "chasing" theory is also a key to the activity of most compulsive gamblers. Susan Fisher notes it in her essay "The Pull of the Fruit Machines," and the NCPG notes it on their Web site. Pathological gamblers lose so much money they are continually "chasing" their losses, and sadly, what they win is never enough to make up the difference, so they continue their behavior."

Tags:losses, casinos, life-threatening, disease, family, gambler, progressive, addiction

Abstract
In this paper aversion therapy is studied as a therapy employed in the treatment of alcoholism, smoking, compulsive gambling, and sexual deviations. Aversion therapies are described and critically assessed. Many deficiencies are pointed out and suggestions for improvements are made. It is suggested that the future of aversion therapy lies in the complete comprehension of the procedure.

From the Paper
"A therapy, which employs classical conditioning, is known as aversion therapy. In aversion therapy a negative emotional reaction is conditioned to a maladaptive behavior that a subject perceives as pleasurable (Liebert & Spiegler, 1998, p. 516). In this approach the problem behavior, known as the conditioned stimulus (CS), is paired with the unconditioned stimulus (UCS). The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) can be administered in such forms as chemical or electrical aversion. The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) results in the unconditioned response (UCR), which may be anxiety, fear or nausea. After numerous pairings of the problem behavior (CS) with the aversion therapy (UCS) the problem behavior (CS) will elicit fear, anxiety or nausea (CR). "

Tags:aversion, pavlov, studies, therapy