| Since the dawn of gambling, where ancient | | | | be gratefully received by anyone with any degree of |
| civilisations would offer their wares, betting on all | | | | wealth, but there are many big gamblers out there |
| manner of occasions, from animal races to sporting | | | | who are losing thousands of pounds per night, just |
| events, and since the first recognised casino houses, | | | | content with the thrill of playing, and addicted to the |
| men have pitted their wits or put their faith in the | | | | adrenalin highs and lows that can be experienced |
| gods in an attempt to increase what little money | | | | when gambling at a casino. The social element and |
| they had, or to regain what they had previously lost. | | | | the feeling of escapism are two other ingredients |
| Of course you can reach far back into ancient times | | | | that can fuel gambling addiction. TV and films have |
| to recognise the influence of Asian and Egyptian | | | | also gone some way to promote a glamorous feel to |
| cultures, where gambling on peoples lives and the | | | | the industry. |
| outcome of sporting events in large arenas was | | | | Researchers from the Neuroscience and Psychiatry |
| common, as was the use of knuckle bones as dice. | | | | Unit at Manchester University UK are investigating |
| Casino houses nowadays provide a more modern | | | | decision making strategies in order to discover why |
| background. Said to be of Italian origin dating back to | | | | pathological gamblers feel the need to gamble, usually |
| the 1700s, and made popular by the Americans who | | | | in an uncontrolled way and usually in spite of previous |
| first experienced casino houses back in the 1800s, | | | | heavy losses. |
| they have now become a popular feature of city | | | | They are also investigating what brain areas may be |
| entertainment throughout the modern world. | | | | involved in the creation of these decision-making |
| Gambling itself is deeply embedded in many cultures | | | | strategies. They are also interested in brain areas |
| and civilisations. From the Far East to the Western | | | | involved in the urge to gamble, the precursor to the |
| Worlds, whether simply tossing a coin to decide a | | | | act of gambling. |
| fate, or offering odds on sporting results, gambling is | | | | Pathological gamblers appear to have different |
| inherent in us all. In the UK alone 300,000 people are | | | | decision making strategies in certain situations |
| said to have a gambling addiction with some 6.5% of | | | | compared to non gamblers, for example, when faced |
| these related to casino gambling. | | | | with choices which have delayed rewards as opposed |
| But what is it about gambling that makes it so | | | | to instant gratification. These decision-making |
| addictive. For example, is winning at casino games all | | | | strategies are thought to contribute or cause |
| about the money? Of course, it is the ultimate aim | | | | pathological gambling behaviours. |
| for any player to depart with as much of the Casino | | | | The turnover from gambling in the UK is said to be |
| club's cash as possible, and for most amateur players | | | | around £42 billion per year. Over £1.5 |
| the aim is to at least come away without losing too | | | | billion of this goes to the government in taxes. And |
| much of your salary. But really casino addiction can | | | | while the UK government's new gambling commission |
| be more about the feeling and the euphoria of | | | | are looking at ways to ensure that gambling is |
| winning rather than the actual cash prize gained. | | | | conducted in a child friendly, crime free manner, the |
| It is this state of euphoria which is said to be the | | | | recent proposals and changes make it easier to join |
| main cause of gambling addiction rather than the | | | | casinos. The government proposals are also said to |
| chance of increasing your profits. Most top gamblers, | | | | allow the construction of las vegas style gambling |
| that is, most gamblers who play with big money, do | | | | resorts in the UK. So while gambling is something we |
| not necessarily need the prize money on offer. Many | | | | may all love to do on occasion, the addiction itself is |
| stars who currently earn millions of pounds each year | | | | a big problem. However, with the recent casino |
| are heavy poker players and casino gamblers | | | | proposals the government seem as addicted to |
| themselves, and do not necessarily need the money. | | | | providing gambling solutions as much as the UK |
| Of course winning one million pounds in a casino, for | | | | population are addicted to gambling itself. |
| example, will change most peoples lives, and would | | | | |