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lottery now and then. And of course there are people who make a legitimate living gambling. But let's get real. Those people are on cable television winning huge pots on the World Series of Poker. There is a reason the Las Vegas Strip, which started booming in the late 1940's, and Atlantic City (and now Indian Reservations) have been successful at raking in the dough (your dough) and haven't gone bankrupt (although perhaps, you have). These towns do not continue to build flashy, absurd resorts (with the roller coaster in one, winding through the Eiffel Tower in another) because they're giving money away. No clocks, no windows, tons of lights, sirens, and bells and whistles. This is their lure, as casinos bank on compulsive gamblers who think, "This time I'll get lucky!" to return time and time again only to hand over their cold hard cash, time and time again.

Statistically, winning at gambling may happen, could happen, and of course, sometimes does happen. However, consistently winning at gambling is not only an oxymoron, it is also impossible. That's why it's called gambling, which according to Webster means, "betting on an uncertain outcome."

It is no surprise that most poker players lose money and lie about. In fact, a common theme you'll find among people who claim they are professional poker players, is the innate ability to devise an Academy-Award winning, manipulative performance as they convince their significant other into believing they're not in jeopardy of losing the rent money, (although they most likely lost it last week after one too many Bad Beats and are desperately praying and hoping Lady Luck will help them get it back today).

As for the lottery, according to WebMath.com, there's a higher likelihood you'll get in a deadly car accident, plane crash, or struck by lightening than pick the winning combination, which is a sad reality considering one-third of people in the United States think winning the lottery is the only way to become financially secure in life.

On a more serious note, it would be careless not to mention that compulsive gambling is classified by the American Psychological Association as a mental health disorder. Called a "hidden illness," experts say it becomes worse as time goes on, causing severe psychological, physical, social, and vocational troubles. It is a fact that gambling addiction is every bit as powerful as drug addiction since many gamblers lie, force their families into bankruptcy, destroy their relationships and careers, harm their health, and even steal to maintain their habit. Many contemplate (and some end up) committing suicide.

The good news is that once diagnosed, this addiction can be treated, and help is out there, from 24/7/365 telephone counseling, to 12-Step meetings, as well as in-patient treatment programs.

The bottom line? Unless you have unlimited funds you couldn't possibly spend in a lifetime (or a very close buddy who has unlimited funds and is willing to happily support your habit and his own) or you regularly win the equivalent of the median household income for your neck of the woods, get a job. A real job.

And if you're not sure whether gambling is making your life unmanageable, take this simple quiz:

When a bartender asks if you want a "double," do you reply, "not against an ace" ?

If yes, get help. Now.

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If you or someone you love might have a gambling addiction, visit: www.gamblersanonymous.org

Learn more about this author, Christy Lane Woynar.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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