ot of neglect arises not only of other financial responsibilities but neglect of the gambler's family and friends. Another problem that will be discussed is the problem of underage gambling. This research paper will show you the downsides of gambling in today's society.One downfall of gambling, for instance, the sale of lottery games to minors is illegal in every state; yet, by all measures, there sales are commonplace. A survey in Minnesota of 15- to 18-year-olds found that 27% had purchased lottery tickets for themselves (Gearey, 19). Even higher levels 32%, 34%, and 35% in Louisiana, Texas, and Connecticut, respectively (Wallisch, 78). In Massachusetts, Connecticut, and other states, lottery tickets are available to the general public through self-service vending machines. It is not surprising then that a survey conducted by the Massachusetts Attorney General's office found that minors as young as 9 year-old were able to place bets on keno games. Seventy five percent of Massachusetts's high school seniors report having played the lottery (Shaffer, 9). Ironically, since the lottery money goes to help the children's education, then the kids are helping pay for their own schooling.Also growing evidence reveals another downfall. The new games the lotteries have introduced to increase sales are more addictive and are compounding the problem of compulsive gamblers; yet few states offer help and money for the treatment of the compulsion. Dr. Lance Dodes, Director of the Center of Problem Gambling at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, estimates that 40% of his patients are lottery players (Halbfinger and Golden, "Lottery," A1). A 1996 survey in New York found that 9% of lottery players and 14% of keno in particular fosters the addiction (Golden and Halbfinger, "Addiction," A1). One study of the effect of Video Lottery Terminals (VTLs) on compulsive gamblers found that the number of individuals in South Dakota seekin...
