From 1968 to Today: The Escalating Crisis of Gambling Harm in the Digital Age
With more and more young people falling victim to gambling addiction, we must prioritise our children and prevent further tragedies.
Arnie Wexler's journey from a young gambler to a leading advocate for gambling addiction recovery offers profound insights into the challenges faced by individuals struggling with gambling addiction. His experiences underscore the importance of robust support systems and effective interventions, such as those provided by GamBlock®.
A Lifetime Entwined with Gambling
Growing up in Brooklyn1, New York, Arnie's introduction to gambling began at the tender age of seven or eight. He engaged in activities like flipping baseball cards, pitching pennies, shooting marbles, and playing pinball machines. By fourteen, his gambling escalated to betting on sports with bookmakers and dabbling in the stock market.
By his early twenties, Arnie owed $4,000 with no job, a significant debt at the time, exacerbated by the absence of credit cards. His gambling addiction led to profound financial and personal turmoil, culminating in a pivotal moment on April 10, 1968, when he placed his last bet.
Over the decades, with his wife Sheila's unwavering support, Arnie has helped countless individuals harmed by gambling, offering presentations to local officials and gambling companies. His expertise is unmatched, having spoken to more people harmed by gambling than anyone else in America.
A Parallel in Time: Then and Now
Reflecting on Arnie's early experiences, one can only imagine the amplified challenges he would have faced in today's digital age2. The advent of online gambling platforms and mobile apps has made gambling more accessible than ever, posing increased risks for addiction. Unlike in 1968, when Arnie had to physically seek out bookmakers, today's young people can bet their entire savings in minutes from their smartphones.
In 2024, nearly 68 million Americans bet on the Super Bowl. Arnie Wexler wonders how many future addicted gamblers placed their first bet during that game. Super Bowl Sunday for desperate gamblers is like New Year’s Eve for an alcoholic. Nearly 7 million Americans are harmed by gambling, and Arnie receives calls daily from parents desperate for help for their children.
GamBlock®: The Modern Solution
In response to the burgeoning online gambling industry, GamBlock® was established to provide an essential line of defence for individuals seeking to curb their gambling habits. Unlike some programs with conflicts of interest, GamBlock® operates without funding from the gambling industry, ensuring its primary commitment is to the well-being of people.
The rise of online sports betting platforms has led to a surge in gambling harm, particularly among young men. Today, it is easier for a young person to place a bet than to buy a can of beer or a pack of cigarettes. Gambling ads increasingly use humour, celebrity endorsements, and memes that directly appeal to young people. The ability to bet on every play, kick, or shot across multiple sports at all hours only intensifies the addiction.
The Intersection of Advocacy and Technology
Arnie Wexler's decades-long dedication to assisting those affected by gambling addiction aligns seamlessly with the mission of GamBlock®. Both emphasise the importance of proactive measures and support systems in addressing the multifaceted challenges of gambling addiction. As Arnie has tirelessly worked to provide counselling and raise awareness, GamBlock® offers practical solutions to prevent relapse and support recovery in an increasingly digital world.
Arnie and Sheila Wexler have provided extensive training on gambling harm, including underage gambling, to over 40,000 gambling organisation employees. Their work extends to regulators, educational workshops, and expert witness testimony. Sheila Wexler, as the Executive Director of the Compulsive Gambling Foundation, has also dedicated her career to addressing gambling addiction.
The Alarming Reality of Gambling Harm
Gambling addiction can be more destructive than alcohol or drug addiction. There is no methadone or nicotine gum for gambling addicts, making recovery even more challenging. The suicide rate among gambling addicts is higher than other addictions. Parents sometimes express relief that their child is "only" addicted to gambling rather than drugs or alcohol, but gambling addiction can be just as devastating, if not worse.
Arnie has spoken to students who gamble in college, day and night—even during class. Gambling has even infiltrated high school lunchrooms. Studies show that 96% of adult male recovering gamblers started gambling before the age of 14. The earlier a person starts gambling, the greater the risk of harm. It has been said that, in a few years, if people don't get to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting on time, all the seats will be taken—it will be standing room only.
A Call to Action
The convergence of personal advocacy and technological innovation presents a powerful opportunity to combat gambling harm. By drawing on the experiences of individuals like Arnie Wexler and leveraging GamBlock®, society can offer comprehensive support to those in need.
The rise in sports gambling has fundamentally altered the landscape of gambling addiction. Today, gambling harm is at an all-time high, and the problem is only worsening as gambling companies expand their reach. Without effective intervention, millions more will be at risk. The need for GamBlock® as a preventive tool has never been more critical.
For a deeper understanding of Arnie Wexler's experiences and insights, you may find this interview informative:
YouTube: Gambling Addiction Arnie Wexler (The Bet Free Life Ep18)
Join Arnie Wexler's Facebook group for gambling addiction support:
Facebook: Gambling Addiction and Recovery
About the Author David Warr
I have been helping parents and children harmed by gambling since 2000.
It is my hope that the political will to help children and families harmed by gambling will eventuate soon.
Footnotes
2 - digital age
If this article raises any issues for you, please contact the Child Helpline in your country, Gamblers Anonymous, Samaritans, or use or our help information.