In another thread we are discussing eating disorders among cruise takers. All the free available food entices foodaholics to take cruises.A casino is a necessary evil on a cruise ship. Still some lines went under even with the 'house winning'. I think mgmt was taking too much off the top.
I previously posted the number of gambling addicts on board a ship too.
The guy maxing his credit card from the purser for the casino. One tablemate was in the casino from dawn till closing, had nothing to say too.
Imagine if ships had a 7 day open bar: yikes!
from
www.responsiblegambling.org
www.problemgambling.com
Responsible Gambling Tips
For many people gambling is exciting and entertaining. They make careful decisions about spending time and money, where to go and how to have fun.
Here's how to gamble responsibly:
• Do not use cash machines to get more money for gambling.
• Do not 'chase' losses. Accept them as the cost of entertainment
• Balance gambling with other leisure activities
• Take frequent breaks
• Be aware—risk increases at times of loss or depression
• Don't borrow money to gamble
• Gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money
• Only use discretionary income, not money for everyday expenses
• Set a budget and stick to it
• Set a time limit
Compulsive Gambling Helpline have reported experiencing one or more of the following symptoms.
Continually thinking about gambling or about ways to get money to gamble; planning the day around gambling; making gambling an overly high priority
Repeatedly spending more time or money on gambling than can reasonably be afforded; having trouble paying bills as a result of excessive gambling
Difficulty in stopping gambling during a gambling session; betting until the last dollar is gone
Borrowing money to gamble or to pay off gambling debts
Difficulty in refraining from gambling once the decision to gamble has been made
Experiencing a "rush" or a "high" on the way to gamble
Returning to gamble again as soon as possible to recoup losses ("get even") or to win even more
Betting increasing amounts of money over time to achieve the same level of excitement
Selling personal items to get money to gamble
Feeling overly elated after a gambling win, or overly sad, upset, angry, or ashamed after a loss
Committing, or considering committing, an illegal act to gamble or to pay off gambling debt
Lying about the extent of time or money spent on gambling; bragging about wins and downplaying losses
Gambling to escape stress, worry, sadness, or other uncomfortable feelings
Gambling to cope with another problem or as a way to deal with frustrations or troubles
Using any gambling winnings exclusively for further gambling
Experiencing an overall decrease in ambition, efficiency, or productivity due to gambling
Having difficulty in sleeping due to gambling
Missing or being late for work, an appointment, family function, or other event due to gambling
Arguing with a spouse or significant other about gambling; straining or losing a love relationship due to gambling; damaging or losing other relationships due to gambling
Experiencing strong urges to gamble, especially when viewing gambling-related paraphernalia or carrying or having access to extra cash
Unsuccessful attempts to control gambling; becoming restless or irritable when cutting down or stopping gambling
Feeling sad, angry, irritable, or restless when attempting to cut back or stop gambling
Unclear thinking or racing thoughts due to gambling
Vacationing only in places where gambling is available
Developing physical ailments related to gambling such as headaches, stomach aches, high blood pressure, skin disorders, etc.
Being told by someone else that you may have a gambling problem
Believing that the only way out of financial difficulty is to continue gambling
Feeling as if life would be too boring or meaningless without gambling
Contemplating harming oneself or suicide as a result of dire gambling-related circumstances
Mentally debating some of these items so that there would not be so many "yes" answers
I personally think those with eating disorders and gambling problems should not take cruises.