I’ll bet you $20 you didn’t know

That March 6th – 12th is California Problem Gambling Awareness Week.

That’s right, according to the Office of Problem Gambling:

For most people, gambling is recreational. However, for some people, gambling leads to debilitating problems resulting in harm. Problem gambler means participation in any form of gambling to the extent that it creates a negative consequence to the gambler, the gambler’s family, place of employment, or community.

This reminds me of my favorite gambling joke.

Why did the problem gambler quit Gambler’s Anonymous? It was full of losers.

MyMotherLode.com had this to say:

While gambling in California provides revenue for state and local governments, jobs for communities and entertainment for responsible patrons, an estimated two to five percent of the general population experiences significant difficulties as a result of gambling, including financial, physical and mental health problems.

I’m sure two to five percent of the general population experience significant difficulties as a result of knitting or throwing horsehoes (the blisters? come on, you really need to tape up beforehand, trust me) but you don’t see a California Problem Knitting Awareness Week do you?

I don’t want to go off on a rant here, but can we just raise our expectations just a wee bit? One of the joys of being an American is that we can legally get ourselves into fixes like problem gambling. And one of the joys of being at the top of the food chain is that we can logically get ourselves out. Have a gambling problem? Stop gambling. Eat too much? Stop eating too much. Blogging too much? Shut down your blog.

Author: RonTopofIt

RonTopofIt is a complex personality, as are most of the small breed of modern day renaissance millionaires. He wishes more people were like him and yet believes that it takes all kinds. You've met RonTopofIt many times, you just don't remember him. View all posts by RonTopofIt