When the Chips Are Down: Problem Gambling in America (Century Foundation Report) [Paperback]

Rachel A. Volberg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2001 | Series: Century Foundation Report

Americans now spend more money on gambling each year than on movie tickets, recorded music, theme parks, spectator sports, and video games combined. For most people, wagering is an enjoyable diversion, but for a sizable minority gambling becomes a compulsion, with devastating effects for individuals and their families. An estimated 5.5 million American adults are problem or pathological gamblers, and another 15 million can be considered at risk for problem gambling. In this book, Rachel Volberg delves into the darker side of the recent growth of lotteries, casinos, and other forms of gambling in this country, arguing that problem gambling should be considered an issue of public health and addressed accordingly. She describes the prevalence of problem and pathological gambling, details its costs to society, and recommends steps to improve monitoring, prevention, and treatment of this affliction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 139 pages
• Publisher: Twentieth Century Fund (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870784692
• ISBN-13: 978-0870784699
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,192,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Comprehensive Overview of Problem Gambling in America, August 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: When the Chips Are Down: Problem Gambling in America (Century Foundation Report) (Paperback)

Dr. Volberg has given us a comprehensive overview of problem gambling gambling in America. This book is of value to both the casual observer and the serious student of this issue. Problem gambling is THE issue for the gambling industry, including the state and tribal governments who are actively engaged in this business. My only criticism is the decision to not address youth gambling. Although I agree that the data are limited on youth gambling problems, I would argue this only highlights the necessity of addressing this issue. However, this minor quibble aside, I highly recommend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Insightful Look at a Controversial Problem, August 11, 2001

By 

Dave Palermo (Las Vegas, Nevada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When the Chips Are Down: Problem Gambling in America (Century Foundation Report) (Paperback)

Rachel Volberg's "When the Chips are Down" is the best and most cutting-edge look at problem and compulsive gambling on the market. The book explains in a very clear and insightful style the latest scientific research into the causes of problem and pathological gambling. It also details what is known about the prevalence of both pathological and problem gambling, including research done by Volberg, a pioneer in the field. But, perhaps even more important, "When the Chips are Down" includes a very thorough and thought-provoking analysis of public policy that resulted in the spread of legal gambling to 47 of the 50 states. It is an enjoyable read. And it is a valuable resource to anyone involved in the field of addiction or associated with the business of legal gambling in America. I've been writing about gambling for some 15 years, and few published works on the subject have proven to be a more valuable resource than "When the Chips are Down." Dave Palermo, editor, writer and columnist for Gem Communications, publishers of International Gaming & Wagering Business, Casino Executive Reports and Casino Journal magazines.

addiction in America, but surrounding the spread of the casino, lottery and pari-mutuel industry.