The difference lies in the fact that the loser consents to taking the risk. The destructive effect of gambling may be noted whether one wins or loses. Many people have a desire, often a compulsive desire, to gamble. Most of these people have access to gambling opportunities. Spread across the social and economic spectrum of our nation, gambling is symptomatic of a deeply distressed society.
Compulsive gamblers have an uncontrollable urge to gamble.
Estimates of compulsive gamblers in this country range from 4 to 12 million persons. Gambling exploits the weaknesses of individuals. Research indicates that those who can afford it the least often gamble the most. Many poor people perceive the state lottery as their only hope for sharing in the American dream of wealth and power. They say that jobs are created, the economy stimulated, and everyone is better off financially.