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Gambling has an infamous reputation among the non-gambling population. The common perspective is that gambling inevitably leads to addiction. But is that the truth? There are a number of other things that lead to addiction such as smoking and alcohol. Does that mean that anyone who lays hands on cigarettes and wine will eventually end up an addict? Not necessarily, since quite a number of people exposed to all of these still live freely with no form of bondage to them.
Then why are there so many laws that prohibit gambling or restrain people under a certain age from drinking or smoking? The problem is not the habit. The problem is the person. Gambling in no way can be held responsible for the person’s attitude towards it. It is true that a considerable number of people are enticed by the habit of gambling; but what about the others who remain unscathed? They seem to have something more, and that one thing is self-control. Gambling is at its best only when played as a game. When it is overplayed, it may endanger wealth, status, dignity and even life; but that is how it is with everything else. Overdoing anything can be dangerous. A person with no self-control can get addicted to anything and gambling is just one of the many possible things. Gambling may be tricky as it is based on strategy and most often, sheer luck. It is not enough to have money, materials and a stable mind to gamble. You also need to know when to start and most importantly, when to stop.
