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Nebraska Gambling Laws

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Gambling is a type of risky betting where you place a value on an event that is largely unpredictable. As with any form of risky activity, there are risks and prizes to consider. But when you’re thinking of gambling, don’t forget to keep your mind on the prize. In this article, you’ll learn about two types of gambling: legal and illegal. But before we go any further, let’s review some of the most common forms of gambling.

Problem gambling

Problem gambling is a dangerous addiction that can lead to emotional, financial, legal, and family problems. This disorder may be mild at the beginning or severe over time. Previously known as pathological or compulsive gambling, problem gambling is now classified as an impulse control disorder. Those who are affected may not recognize that they are afflicted. But there are ways to recognize that problem gambling is present. Here are some ways to tell if you or someone you know is a gambler.

Pathological gambling

Pathological gambling can have serious personal and societal consequences. Symptoms of pathological gambling can include medical, legal, and employment difficulties. In addition, pathological gamblers often experience financial debts of $38,000 to $113,000, and 60 percent of these individuals engage in illegal activity to finance their addiction. Other health problems that can result from pathological gambling include insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, and high blood pressure. In the US, the most common treatment option is therapy, which is often not effective for many pathological gamblers.

Compulsive gambling

Compulsive gambling is a serious mental disorder characterized by a chronic inability to control impulses to gamble. Gambling often interferes with personal pursuits and can lead to financial devastation. The person who is afflicted with compulsive gambling may also turn to illegal means to fund his or her habit, such as using bad checks or fraudulent insurance claims to pay for gambling debts. In some severe cases, compulsive gamblers may even commit crimes, including theft, prostitution, or suicide.

Legal forms of gambling

The definition of gambling in Nebraska is vague. However, the state government casts a wide net with its definition. Bingo, raffles, lotteries, gift enterprises, and horse racing are legal forms of gambling. In fact, the state even allows Indian casinos. The state government defines gambling as placing money or property on the outcome of an event or game of chance. This definition excludes skill games, such as poker and blackjack, which are based on strategy rather than chance.

Symptoms of problem gambling

Problem gambling is a serious disorder that causes significant social, psychological, and physical repercussions. A gambler with a gambling addiction is classified as having a disorder of impulse control. In addition to its damaging effects on the psychological well-being of the person, problem gambling can also cause physical health issues such as headaches and intestinal disorders. The symptoms of problem gambling can even lead to suicidal thoughts. Here are some symptoms to look for in a gambler: