losing more and more money, and going deeper and deeper in debt to banks, finance companies, relatives, and friends.30 Compulsive gamblers lose their tempers frequently, often striking anyone at any time.31 They have been known to have no limits in obtaining money. Murder, stealing, embezzling, conning, and even resorting to prostitution or putting their wives into prostitution have been known ways of getting money to pay off gambling debts.32 People become compulsive gamblers through peer pressure and social pressure. Most are very competitive, athletic, have above average intelligence, and are motivated to achieve.33 Many gamble for a death instinct, a need to lose, a wish to repeat a big win, identification, and a desire for action or excitement.34 Out of the three million compulsive gamblers in America, 65% are men.35 The most common occupation for a compulsive gambler is an attorney, while accountants, bankers, stock brokers, and sports figures have a higher than average percentage of compulsive gamblers.36 Some compulsive gamblers of today include Walter Mathau, Omar Shariff, and Larry King. These troubled people have been and will be around as long as gambling is available. Even over 100 years ago, big name compulsive gamblers, such as W.H. Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan lost millions of dollars gambling.37 Institutions, such as the 800 Gambler Anonymous's and 300 Gam-Anon's, have been made to help these troubled individuals, but most need professional help, which they can not afford.38 ...
