The record $1.5 billion jackpot is the results of 19 consecutive drawings without an announced victor.
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“It’s a sickening addiction”, Jim said.
For people who have dealt with gambling problems in the past, buying a ticket can lead to more problems, Kriewald said.
“People don’t want to later regret not having “been in it” if they don’t buy a ticket”, Samson concluded.
She says at the Council they offer educational services around problem gambling, and host Gamblers Anonymous meetings weekly.
She says all of the lottery hype can hurt people hooked on gambling.
That counselor said that the potential Powerball payout could cause problems for those trying to overcome their gambling addiction.
The jackpot is so big, signs can’t even handle the enormous amount. Those who have a gambling problem view the Powerball lottery differently from everyone else. “Especially if you haven’t had hope or learned to have hope in a more reality-based way”.
“It can create triggers, something that makes a gambler want to gamble more during that time because they’re seeing a form of gambling all the time”, she said. “I’ll be working my recovery program for the rest of my life”. They may have to go to such extremes such as avoiding the TV, the Internet, and the radio.
As long as Powerball fans are purchasing tickets more for the social and emotional experience of excitement and anticipation, occasionally taking part in huge lotteries like this can be pure entertainment and harmless fun. “There’s going to be times when you get that endorphin release that’s going to raise up the reward center in your brain and that’s what keeps you going”.
“Even if I win the $1.5 billion, it’s not as ideal as that place in between, where we’d all like to live, where everybody is attractive and there aren’t pressures and decisions”.
His advice for anyone who’s spending more on the lottery than they can afford is to seek help.
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Remember: Gambling can not replace whatever stresses or anxieties that you have in your life.
