The only slot machines that really pay off are ones like this Buckaroo Savings Bank I have. Yet, I’d almost be willing to bet good money that gambling casinos are doing a booming business these days. I haven’t seen the numbers, and I’m not sure I want to know. Usually, at this point, I would try to insert some humor — but I don’t find gambling a laughing matter. I’m watching what compulsive gambling has done to someone I hold dear. It isn’t pretty.
It happened in the blink of an eye. The economy got bad, and then everything got more expensive. Overtime at work was cut so money became tight. She knew if she could just “hit the big one” with the slots that her troubles would be over. She’d be on Easy Street. So she threw money at the slot machines like krewes throw necklaces in Mardi Gras parades. The downhill slide began — until she hit rock bottom.
“I don’t want you to gamble anymore.”
“But, it’s what I do for FUN.”
“Learn to crochet; read a book.”
“I can control it.”
“No, don’t go to the casino!”
But, I HAVE to go back just one more time to pick up money that I won.”
As this conversation took place, her pantry was bare naked (except for half a box of oatmeal, one bag of frozen vegetables, and some condiments). She had 85 cents in her pocket and payday was three days away. She couldn’t answer the telephone because creditors were calling non-stop.
This time a year ago her life was good. I was so proud of her. Her house mortgage was paid off. She lived comfortably. However, she had some credit card debt and wanted to do some repairs to the house. She found a good rate on a loan and re-financed her house to take care of those expenses. That’s NOT where the money went.
The slot machines sang their siren’s song and she succumbed. “It’s what I do for FUN.” It must be a lot of fun, if one is willing to sink to having only a box of oatmeal in the pantry.
Every one of us, from the time we were small, heard the old fairy tales. In fact, I tell them every day to children and am feeling rather guilty about perpetuating the myths: a knight in shining armor always rescues the princess, Jack always finds his fortune, the hero always has good luck, and things always turn out well in the end.
In real life, that’s not the way it works. Those are stories. But, we believe them, or at least we believe in the idea that somehow, someone is going to save us. Somehow, we will get lucky.
We make our own luck. We work hard and we save to get ahead. Sometimes we falter, but we pick ourselves back up and move forward. No one is going to “save us.” We have to save ourselves.
Gambling is an addiction. You don’t control it … IT controls YOU. A gambler cannot step into a casino for a moment any more than an alcoholic can take a sip of a drink. You have to make the decision to change, but you don’t have to do it alone. Gambler’s Anonymous is there to help.
I hope that my loved one reads this and understands how painful it is to watch her struggle. If you are reading, Sweet One, I’ll give loan you my Buckaroo Bank to satisfy your need for a slot machine — if you’ll just stay away from casinos. Do it for me …
…no, do it for you.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I too have an “outlaw” who gambles for fun… Its not pretty.
jeanies last blog post..Maldons, sweeps and the secrets to a happy marriage
Nope, it’s not. And, I think she has realized it at last.
No gambling addiction in my family -that I know of anyway -but lots of folks with addictions to other things, mainly alcohol. And yes indeed, gambling is like alcohol in that it robs the person of everything it can. My ex-husband is, thankfully, now a recovering alcoholic -over 15 year sober now and for that, for my kids’ sakes, I am really grateful that he finally got the help he needed. Here’s hoping your loved one can do the same.
I don’t know if she will break down and get help, but I think she will fight it. She has beaten other addictions, so I know she can beat this one. I think when people have “addictive personalities” they have to tread veeeeery carefully when choosing vices!
It is indeed an addiction. A terrible one too. It has been the ruin of many. I hope this person gets some help.
Have a great Sunday. Big hug.
Comedy Pluss last blog post..Once Upon a Time…
It’s a pretty darned destructive addiction…I’m betting on her to beat it, though.
Here in NH, they love to brag that we don’t have an income or sales tax. However, our property taxes are high, yet not high enough to put enough in our state budget. Every couple of years, they bring up slots at the horse track which is just over the border from Massachusetts. I just think this is a horrible idea, in the end, we will still be responsible for the welfare of the families that will end up even further in poverty.
When I visited Nasau in the Bahamas many years ago, it was against the law for local people to gamble. They lived in such poverty anyway that I guess the government was afraid that folks would get desperate. The gambling thing is just not a good idea.
This is sad. I hope your friend gets help. The thing is, people with addictions have to WANT to get help. The all important first step…
Kaceys last blog post..When a Man Does a Chore-Part Two
I think this scared her enough to want it!
A hard thing to deal with. Very hard. I hope she is one who can.
Marcias last blog post..The Odd Couple Video
She’s strong. She will beat it! It’s just a long row to hoe to get back where she was.