10 Gambling Addiction Quotes: From Realization to Recovery
Author:
Jonathan
Published:
May 14, 2024
Gambling Addiction has become more prevalent since the legalization of online sports betting that started back in 2018, but Problem Gambling has been well-documented for decades, even centuries.
Sometimes a poignant quote can provide inspiration or guidance to individuals who may be struggling, so let’s examine 10 meaningful gambling addiction quotes. This collection includes remarks from Mark Twain and current psychologists, so it’s evident Gambling Addiction is timeless and only shows signs of continued escalation as the industry grows in the United States.
Reading words of wisdom regarding Gambling Addiction can potentially keep you or someone you know from heading down that road or mark a turning point of realization on the path to recovery.
“You don’t gamble to win. You gamble so you can gamble the next day.” – Bert Ambrose
Bert Ambrose (1896-1971) was an English bandleader and violinist, but famously said something about gambling addiction that still rings true today. Ambrose’s words perfectly encapsulate the feeling of being lost in the thrill of it all (gambling). With the brain’s reward center triggered regardless of win or loss, individuals in the thick of regular gambling can lose sight of their potential initial goal of winning money, so long as they have the funds to keep the action going the following day.
"Gambling is not a vice, it is an expression of our humanness. We gamble. Some do it at the gaming table, some do not. You play, you win, you play, you lose. You play." - Jeanette Winterson
Jeanette Winterson is an English author, and her perspective is that gambling is natural for humans and that people participate in gambling in ways outside of and beyond the traditional forms. Winterson’s perspective is calming for individuals beating themselves up for a problem they may be struggling to control. The repetition of "You play, you win, you play, you lose. You play," emphasizes the cyclical nature of gambling and the acceptance of both winning and losing as integral parts of the experience. It can be important to acknowledge that gambling could be an unconscious draw and an expression of oneself rather than a moral failing.
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"A dollar picked up in the road is more satisfaction to us than the 99 which we had to work for, and the money won at Faro or in the stock market snuggles into our hearts in the same way." - Mark Twain
Legendary American writer, humorist and essayist Mark Twain relays the idea that a dollar won (or found) can satisfy us more than money earned. With gambling, the potential of winning money can often trump the effort it takes to work for and earn money. More and more people nowadays look for a “lottery ticket” easy path to riches, rather than work hard to earn it.
“I want people to understand, gambling is not a bad thing if you do it within the framework of what it’s meant to be, which is fun and entertaining.” – Michael Jordan
In this gambling quote, (arguably) the greatest basketball player of all time Michael Jordan suggests gambling can be a harmless and enjoyable activity when approached responsibly and viewed through the proper lens. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the correct context in which gambling should occur — as a form of entertainment and amusement rather than as an attempt at financial gain. By framing gambling within this context, Jordan urges individuals to follow a key responsible gambling tip - viewing it as (likely paid) entertainment.
"Addiction begins with the hope that something 'out there' can instantly fill up the emptiness inside." - Jean Kilbourne
Jean Kilbourne's addiction quote suggests addictive behaviors often stem from a desire to find immediate relief or fulfillment from something external, whether it be substances or activities. However, the underlying emptiness or dissatisfaction persists, leading to a cycle of dependency and seeking further external sources of gratification. Gambling may not be the root issue, but rather an underlying unmet emotional need.
"Gambling: The sure way of getting nothing for something." - Wilson Mizner
Often viewed as the quest to “get something for nothing,” Wilson Mizner's quote succinctly captures the essence of the futility of gambling. By describing it as "the sure way of getting nothing for something," Mizner highlights the inherent structure involved in gambling, where the game is rigged in the sportsbook or other gambling company’s favor. Despite the potential for gains, there is no guarantee of a positive outcome. In fact, in the large majority of cases, individuals end up losing what they have invested, whether it be money, time or other resources.
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"The urge to gamble is so universal and its practice so pleasurable, that I assume it must be evil." - Heywood Broun
Heywood Broun's quote reflects on the widespread appeal of gambling and its seductive nature. This statement highlights the complex relationship between the pleasure derived from gambling and the potential negative consequences it can entail, such as addiction, financial loss and social harm. Broun's remark encourages reflection on the implications of engaging in gambling activities and emphasizes the need for responsible decision-making when it comes to participation in gambling activities.
“Gambling is a family disease. One person may be addicted, but the whole family suffers.” – Anonymous
This quote emphasizes the profound impact gambling addiction can have on not only the individual struggling but also on their entire family unit. Even though only one person may be directly addicted to gambling, the consequences of their addiction can ripple through families, causing stress, conflict, financial strain and emotional trauma for everyone involved. Gambling addiction requires support and care for both the individual and their family members.
“With mobile sports betting, you’re never not in a casino. You’re there unless you’re completely cut off.” – Timothy Fong, M.D.
This quote underscores concerns about the convenience of mobile and online gambling, which can increase the risk of problematic or addictive behavior. It suggests the importance of recognizing the potential harm associated with easy access to gambling and the need for responsible regulation and individual self-awareness when engaging in mobile sports betting or any form of online gambling.
“Much of the reward comes not from winning, but from the possibility of winning.” – Dr. David Sack
This gambling addiction quote reinforces the importance of understanding the role of anticipation and reward in gambling behavior. Even when individuals’ wagers do not win, they may still experience a sense of satisfaction and rush of excitement from the possibility of winning. This insight into the psychology of gambling helps to inform efforts to address and mitigate the risks associated with excessive or problematic gambling behaviors.
Sources:
The Human Cost of the Sports-Betting Boom
Wagering Words of Wisdom: Top Quotes About Gambling
