Gambling News by Gambling Headquarters

People who gamble also have an increased risk of health problems such as angina and liver disease. Gambling can be as serious an addiction as substance abuse or alcoholism. The latter are both associated with other health problems and so, also, is gambling according to a new study from the University of Connecticut. Their data comes from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, which covers more than 43,000 Americans. More than a quarter of the participants gambled five or more times a year. Forms of gambling included playing cards for money, betting on horses, dogs or sport, buying lottery tickets or playing the stock market. Around one per cent were considered to be problem gamblers and 0.5 per cent were addicted to gambling. Those who gambled were more likely to have high blood pressure or suffer from alcohol abuse or obesity. The problem and pathological gamblers also had an increased risk of angina and liver disease. The findings show that gambling should be taken as seriously as other addictions - not only for the social and psychological problems it brings, but also because of its effect on physical health.