Interesting Concept

I did a Google search on the lady who appeared in the article which was posted yesterday. This nice lady is a conservative radio talk show host in San Francisco. Even though as the article pointed out she was addicted to gambling once she sought treatment and entered the Gamblers Anonymous Program her life was forever changed for the better. She now enjoys a very successful life proving there is a good life after gambling.

I sent her an email thanking her for telling her story and sharing her experience, strength and hope. I received a very supportive email back which shows me when a person truly commits themselves to recovery life gets better. It is people like this nice woman who give me hope for a beautiful life.

I continued to be touched by the people who surround me. Late last night I received a phone call from my GA sponsor and he wanted to know if I was alright because he had heard the issue regarding the sale of my house had hit the media. I assured him I was okay and like we always do the conversation turned to the GA Program and how I am forever indebted to him and the Program for saving my life.

Also; I told him about an earlier phone conversation I had with another member in GA and how supportive they had been of me. This particular member is foregoing another obligation so they could attend my GA birthday celebration next week. These people are my heroes and I am so blessed to have this type of love in my life.

Finally; there was another phone call I had received yesterday and when this person calls I am always touched. These are all members of the GA Program and all of them understand the importance of the Program and reaching out to other members. I just hope I can be half as inspirational to others as these people have been to me. The Program certainly works for me.

Here is another article in keeping with National Problem Gaming Awareness Week. This article is from the United Kingdom and it may not sound like much but I believe it is an interesting concept in "promoting" the illness of compulsive gambling. It may not end problem gambling but it is a giant step in the awareness of problem gambling. Here is the article;

Gambling to carry 'addiction warning'

All UK casinos and online gambling websites will be required to display prominent addiction warnings as part of a raft of measures designed to end problem gambling.

New proposals outlined by the gambling commission will see all casinos required to promote 'socially responsible gambling', ensure that staff are trained to help problem gamblers, tighten measures preventing underage gambling and restrict alcohol sales.

Online sites will also be required to display clear information showing users the amount of time and money they have spent during their current session, as well as to programme in breaks in play in order to prevent 'continuous and repetitive play'.

Gambling operators who disregard the new measures would face fines and could have their licenses revoked.

Peter Dean, chairman of the gambling commission, believes the new measures will compel betting shop operators, casino operators and online games sites to take responsible measures to prevent gambling addiction and help stem the rising tide of 'problem gamblers' in the UK.

'Our new rules are all designed to keep crime out of gambling, to make sure it is fair and open, and to protect children and vulnerable people. Combating problem gambling is particularly important to us: this is the first time the commission has had the power to do something about it, and we intend to use that power to maximum effect,' Mr Dean said.

He stressed that the commission would ensure that the new regulations were strictly adhered to by gambling operators.

'We will monitor all British gambling operators to make sure they comply with our rules. We have the power to fine or revoke the licenses of those who fail to do so, and to prosecute illegal gambling. We won’t hesitate to use these powers if need be,' he added.

Secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Tessa Jowell, believes the new measures are vital in addressing the problem of gambling addiction in the UK.

'Gambling is not an industry like any other. What can be a harmless pastime for one person can be a life-destroying addiction for another. That’s why these new rules to prevent problem gambling are so important,' she said.

'Be it a betting shop, a casino or a gambling website, gambling operators across the country will soon have to comply with these tough requirements.'

Ms Jowell also defended the controversial Gambling Act 2005, insisting that the approval of 17 new casinos, including a number of so-called 'super casinos', would not result in an increase in gambling and that the raft of proposals outlined by the commission today 'would not have been possible' without the act.

The new proposals are now subject to a period of industry consultation and are likely to be brought into effect next year.