Gambling: acceptable and expected?

Unrealistic, wishful thinking is encouraged on a weekly basis, on prime time TV and on every street corner. In light of this is it really any wonder that problem gambling is on the increase? It is more unusual these days to meet someone who does not gamble, than someone who gambles on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The National Lottery tends to appeal to more vulnerable sections of society who perhaps would never have dreamt of gambling before, particularly the elderly. This is part of a wider trend in the legitimisation of gambling. In the not too distant past gambling was the preserve of certain section of society. Most gamblers were male and traditionally fell into two categories: the wealthy, high-stake gamblers who frequented high class casinos and were involved in the higher echelons of horse racing, and the working classes, who frequented the betting office and the dog track and more often than not were the people who experienced problems with gambling. This is no longer the case. Frequent, low stakes gambling is no longer restricted to the working classes because gambling is no longer a marginalised activity, kept hidden behind closed doors and frowned upon by general society. Gambling comes in all shapes and forms and is a massive part of the leisure industry. Aside from the National Lottery the accompanying instant-win scratch cards have become a day-to-day impulse purchase for many people. A quick visit to the local shop for a daily essential such as bread or milk can easily result in the impulse buy of one of these instantly gratifying little cards. Most people will have played their card before leaving the shop premises – the instantaneousness is a big part of the appeal – and, win or lose, will perhaps feel the need to have another go. It only takes a second, it costs little more than a bar of chocolate, and therefore there is no need to consider your actions too carefully. Instant, legal, guilt-free gambling, that no one need ever know about. Apparently better for your health than a bar of chocolate or a packet of cigarettes. Unfortunately the allure of these cards proved too strong for an alarming number of people. Habitual, financially inappropriate use of scratch cards rapidly became a problem in the UK when they were initially introduced.

The increasing availability of gambling opportunities

This is just an example of the increasing availability of gambling opportunities in today’s society. Now that we can add newsagents, supermarkets and post offices to the list, the opportunity is literally on every street corner. Betting shops are no longer darkened, dingy places with the interior hidden from passer-by. Bingo halls are big, bright purpose built emporiums, often with cut price bars and decent fast food cafes which provide a comfortable meeting place for the (often female or elderly) participants to socialise. Door-to-door football pools have been replaced by lottery syndicates organised through work or social clubs – only a ‘spoil-sport’ or ‘penny-pincher’ would decline to put in some small change and increase the groups chances. Amusement arcades are in every provincial shopping centre and quiz game machines have joined fruit machines in cafes, service stations, railway stations and airport waiting lounges. Pubs and bars show sporting events on a big screen and help create business for the local betting shop for those who fancy a bit of a flutter. An outing to the dog track is an increasingly popular way to celebrate a family birthday. A day at the horse races is seen as a positively correct and appropriate social gathering for anyone who can afford it. With the advent on modern technology we can now add television, telephone and internet gambling to the list, bringing gambling into the comfort of your own home. The list goes on. Gambling is so large a constituent in our leisure time activities that we barely even recognise it as ‘gambling’ per se. It’s just fun, enjoyment, relaxation. Nothing to worry about or consider too deeply for most of the people involved. But as with alcohol (another widely available, socially acceptable legal high), there will always be a percentage of people unable to regulate their usage. This is where problem gambling comes in and perhaps explains why it should be considered a general social problem on the increase as opposed to the self-destructive habit of a small group of marginalised people.