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This book tackles the difficult questions of why individuals are lured to gambling and how to combat this destructive addiction. Drawing from true stories, Jantz reveals the truth about the dangers of gambling and how to understand what the gambler is actually searching for. He identifies ways our culture supports the gambling lifestyle, what the Bible has to say about gambling, healthy ways to view and manage money, and making lifestyle choices that will lead to freedom.
In Turning the Tables on Gambling, you'll explore the answers to questions such as:
Includes Gambling Personality Questionnaire
"Gregg Jantz has given us a realistic view of the growing
menace
of gambling. Gambling may be your struggle or it may be the silent struggle of a
friend or family member. Giving this book could be an act of hope."
Harold Ivan Smith, author of When Your People are Grieving
"This book will help you recognize the snare of gambling and
head it off at the pass."
Dr. Lynda Hunter, founding editor of Single-parent Family Magazine, author of Single Moments and Parenting
on Your Own
"Dr. Jantz brings a well thought-out, reasoned, even-handed, common-sense
approach to an addiction that destroys many families."
Chuck Snyder, author of Incompatibility: (Still) Grounds
for a Great marriage
Edmonds, Washington - From young teens to senior citizens, gambling is taking a toll on Americans - and it is not just about money. Gambling is no longer confined to places like Las Vegas or Atlantic City. It is everywhere-the Internet, state lotteries, race tracks, sporting events and slot machine in convenience stores.
The gambling industry has grown tenfold in the past twenty-five years. Internet gambling alone accounts for two billion in annual revenues and this figure doesnt even account for the countless number of people addicted to day trading. With state run lotteries now operating in 37 states and the District of Columbia, Scores of People - mostly from low income households -are hooked. According to therapist Dr. Gregory Jantz, "one of the strongest voices in our society-government-is using its power to promote gambling as a way to increase revenue."
The author of "Turning the Tables on Gambling" (Shaw/Waterbrook), Jantz believes the so-called harmless purchase of lottery tickets can be a source of potential trouble. The revenue that is generated through the sale of lottery tickets does not add funds to the education budgets of most states. Instead, states simply divert funds to other parts of their budget. But Jantz is particularly concerned about the way the gambling industry is targeting young people. "We now live in a culture encouraging an activity that destroys a percentage of the lives it touches." says Jantz. "Young people experience problems, or at-risk gambling behaviors at twice the rate of adults."
Gambling has become a high profile and socially acceptable activity in the United States. As TV shows like;"Who Wants to be a Millionaire" vie for viewer time; the desire for excitement or to get rich quick can become overwhelming. Conservative estimates show more than 15 million people display some signs of gambling addiction. If current trends continue, this number will continue to rise -destroying marriages, forcing bankruptcies, and jeopardizing employment. Problem gamblers have higher rates of suicide, divorce and criminal activity than non gamblers. And for young people, the increase in lottery play is correlated with increased participation in the use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana.
Dr. Jantz offers specific advice - and encouragement for those caught in the vicious cycle of gambling. He recommends an accountability group, avoidance of tempting environments, giving up control of ones finances for a season, and recognizing gambling as tantamount to idolatry. Perhaps most important, Jantz uncovers the underlying reasons people in our culture get caught up in gambling-offering a way of escape for young and old alike.