Some Boulderites have gambling problems. With casinos at home in Colorado, near Boulder and Denver, and with ‘go-anywhere’ on-line gambling offered at the end of our fingertips, there is no shortage of legal gambling available. I suspect, although I don’t know, that I can bet on the election with an on-line casino. I wonder what the line on that is, currently.

Everyone can afford to win. No one wins ALL of the time. Is winning a problem? Interesting academic question. All agree that losing, a necessary part of the gambling mix, can easily be a problem. With an out-of-control gambler, losing might mean losing the farm!

Losing is as much of a problem on-line as it is in person at a casino. Do you own a chandelier in Las Vegas?

On-Line Gambling Is Now Ubiquitous! It Is A Keystroke Away.

On-line Gambling Puts Money At Risk From The Comforts Of Home.

The key questions are “How do I know if I have a gambling problem?”, and “What do I do if I HAVE a problem?”

Recognizing if you have a gambling problem can be difficult, but there are some common signs and behaviors that may indicate an issue. Here are a few questions to consider:

1. Do you often gamble more than you intended?
– Going over your planned budget or time spent gambling might indicate a loss of control.

2. Do you feel the need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same thrill?
– This is a sign of building tolerance, similar to substance abuse.

3. Have you tried to cut back or stop gambling, but found it difficult?
– Unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling may be a sign of dependency.

4. Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling?
– This emotional reaction could indicate a problem.

5. Do you use gambling to escape stress or problems in your life?
– Gambling can become a way to avoid dealing with emotions or stress, which can lead to problems.

6. Have you ever lied to family or friends about your gambling habits?
– Hiding your gambling or feeling ashamed of it can suggest that it’s negatively impacting your life.

7. Are you chasing losses by gambling more to win back money?
– Chasing losses is a dangerous cycle that often leads to larger losses and greater financial strain.

8. Is gambling affecting your personal relationships, job, or finances?
– If gambling is leading to debt, arguments, or neglecting responsibilities, it’s likely a problem.

9. Do you feel guilt or regret after gambling?
– This emotional response can signal that gambling is causing more harm than enjoyment.

10. Have you borrowed money, sold possessions, or committed illegal acts to fund your gambling?
– These are serious signs of problem gambling and require immediate attention. You are not alone. Individual and group support and help is readily available. Casinos strongly support these efforts at treatment for this terrifying challenge and controlling addiction.

If you recognize several of these signs in your behavior, it might be time to seek help. Support groups like Gambling Anonymous (GA), therapy, or professional counseling can provide guidance on how to regain control.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com