Problem Gambling Ruins Lives
by: Stephen Sit
Photo by Aidan Howe on Unsplash
There’s a Chinese saying that goes, “A little gambling is soothing and relaxing.” But is this true? In fact, gambling is as addictive as drugs. Studies have shown that the brain releases dopamine when gambling, which causes the person gambling to feel excited. Unfortunately, this also signals the start of a bad habit.
When I was young, my godfather told me, “Gambling is like fierce floods and savage beasts: At best, you’ll go bankrupt; at worst, you’ll bring ruin and shame upon yourself.” Who knows how many families have been ruined because of gambling!
When I was in high school, I also liked to have a little fun with my friends. Since I won often, I considered myself the world’s invincible "gambling saint." One Lunar New Year, I gambled with a wealthy cousin. The bet started with one dollar, which I quickly lost. I thought that by doubling the bet each round, I could win back what I lost in the second, third or fourth round, and then stop. Who knew, I ended up losing more than 20 rounds in a row and owing my cousin $400. Back then, with only $10 as my weekly pocket money, $400 was an astronomical figure. Only then did I remember the words of my godfather. Fortunately, my cousin only said one thing that day, "Forget it, stop being so crazy!" Since then, I have quit gambling till this day.
When I was doing business in Chicago’s Chinatown, I saw many businessmen and restaurant owners lose their life savings overnight in a casino. They lost their business and owed a huge debt. Many years ago, I bought a business from a boss just like this. He lost his life savings and hard-earned business. This was a tragedy I witnessed with my own eyes!
In Chinatown, we see first-hand how problem gambling harms our community. There are free shuttles to casinos, many places to buy lottery tickets and recently legalized online sports gambling. Last year, Pui Tak Center received a grant from the IL Department of Human Services to increase community awareness about problem gambling and help community members find resources.
For more information, contact Eunice Liao at euniceliao@puitak.org or call 312-328-1188.