Myth of Problem Gambling in America - Preface to my study

[Michael]

The Making of A Myth

A psychologist from a prestigious university releases a study on pathological gambling. His research involves an in-depth study of five people whose lives have been ruined by excessive gambling. This study also shows co-morbidities of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, depression, financial ruin, and the destruction of family life. He indicates his research shows a gambling problem in society.

A major newspaper reads this study and decides to do an “expose” on gambling in their city. This paper focuses on a few individuals whose lives have been ruined by gambling abuse. The article also writes about the “explosion” of casinos proliferating throughout America.

A minister, after reading this article, walks slowly to his pulpit. He raises his bowed head and stares out unto his congregation. His hands lift up to the level of his shoulders and he proclaims: “Did you know the word sin is in the word casino?” The congregation, in unison, gives a low-toned gasp. It is almost as if revelation has been received on the immorality of gambling.

The up-for-election conservative politician, who was sitting in the above minister’s congregation, walks on stage to a cheering crowd gathered for his re-election. He waves his hands in gratitude for the warm reception. Once to the podium he raises his bowed head and starts to speak in a most serious tone. Then, like Robert Preston in the movie “The Music Man”, he bellows, “There’s trouble in River City. It starts with G and it is gambling.” The crowd gives a low-toned pant of approval. A new moral leader has appeared using the perceived evil of gambling as a major plank of his re-election campaign.

Other ministers, politicians, and newspapers, spread the above message across the country, and, like a virus, thus is born the widespread myth that there is a gambling problem in America. All because of a limited study by a university professor(s) on a small group of abusive gamblers who, from this study, extrapolate these behaviors into broad social generalizations. This myth has been generated by social scientists, religious leaders, politicians, and the media in this manner hundreds of times.