World

Ways in Which Land-Based Casinos Fuel Problem Gambling Behavior and the Ways to Beat It

Published

6 years ago

April 7, 2020

When we talk about gambling, the very first thing that comes to our mind is the utter annihilation that this sphere reeks of. We have grown up in a society that taught us how indulging in various forms of gambling only spells disaster. Little did we learn about the contribution that this domain has to make in uplifting a region’s economy. Gambling, for most of us, only meant gloom and doom, and this is obviously a myth that needs to be busted. There is no harm in indulging in some safe forms of gambling. It only becomes a concern when the habit spirals out of control and gives rise to compulsive gambling. It is essential, thus, to understand the root of the problem if one is to address the problem and control the problem gambling behavior. We shall first try to understand how land-based casinos fuel problem gambling and then move on to addressing the issue at large. This shall make it easy to come up with well-structured solutions to beat the problem.

Ways in Which Casinos Enable Compulsive Gambling:

All the schemes and rewards programs that you find casinos offering to you, are nothing but siren calls that draws several people to the industry. Yes, the casino is a multi-million dollar industry, and they feed on the emotional vulnerabilities of human beings. It is not always possible to ignore the lure of the casinos with their dazzling architecture and array of games that promise handsome wins by the hour. However, as much as one would like to treat these games as ways to beat stress and find some entertainment, they also have the potential to serve as rat-traps if you are not careful about your behavior. It is way too easy to lose control and therefore, it is essential that you nip the evil while it is still in the bud.

Casinos happen to offer services like free parking areas, complimentary drinks and hotel room reservations that draw thousands and thousands of people every day to the casino floors. These are plain tactics that offer them a dramatically high return on their investment. And though, ostensibly it might seem like an opportunity that must not go amiss, these very tricks can later cause harm in your life and turn you into a compulsive gambler, because you would find yourself frequenting the casino houses every now and then.

However, fortunately, there are ways in which you can beat your problem gambling behavior once you locate the issue in its early stages. It is never too late to fight your way through a problem. You only need to devise the right methods to control the problem and then gradually move on to eradicating it.

Ways to Beat Problem Gambling:

We have brought together a few points that can help you beat your compulsive gambling behavior and break the habit at once. However, it is essential that you understand that if the problem happens to run too deep, you might have to seek help and asylum in a rehabilitation center. There is no shame in asking for help, and you must reach out to professionals to fight the problem.

Address the Issue-

The first thing that you need to do to be able to fight the situation is to acknowledge that you have an issue. You cannot keep escaping the problem if you need to solve it. Confront the problem head-on, and you will see that it shall become easier to deal with the issue.

Do Not Frequent the Land-Based Casinos-

This might seem a bit challenging for you but do not give in to your temptation of frequenting the casinos. Things will not come under control if you continue going to the casinos and spend time playing the games. You need to take one step at a time and find alternatives to land-based casinos. Perhaps, switching to a trustworthy and authentic online casino like www.usgamblingsites.com could just do the trick. But, you need to manage the amount of time you spend playing the games online, lest it shall serve no purpose.

Reach Out for Professional Help-

It is essential to understand that reaching out to professionals to get your compulsive gambling habit in check is as important as treating yourself to recovery when you find yourself in ill-health. Problem gambling has ruined several lives, and thus, you must be able to take the necessary actions while there is still time. Do not hesitate to visit a professional yourself or check on a friend who needs their help. Problem gambling can be managed if you are smart enough to act on time.

Conclusion:

Land-based casinos are amazing places to visit on the weekends or when you are on a trip to some country to spend your vacation. But they are also money-minting machines and know exactly which emotional strain of humans to feed on to fleece their customers. While some people are wise enough to be able to stay away from the temptation, some give in too quickly and thus, become victims of problem gambling. Keep the points that we discussed in the article on your mind if you are to beat the issue and seek professional help before it causes you more harm. With this and a bit of will-power, you can rise above the problem and break the vicious habit for good.

World

More Named Storms — Is Your Luxury Pergola Ready?

Published

1 month ago

December 11, 2025

Jenny Jackson

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted a 60% chance that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season would be above normal. The administration said to watch for between 13 and 19 total named storms — those with winds of 39 mph or higher.

For homeowners in hurricane-prone regions, this raises an urgent question: are your outdoor spaces ready to weather the storm?

PERGOLUX, a leader in durable outdoor structures, designs powder-coated aluminum pergolas with adjustable louvers to withstand the harshest environments.

“Today’s outdoor living spaces face the wrath of nature’s extremes,” says Tim Heneveld, Country Director of PERGOLUX North America. “Hurricanes, tropical storms, and flash floods bring powerful winds exceeding 100 mph. Their relentless rain and rising floodwaters can quickly devastate unprepared structures. If you want to protect your investments, resilient design is essential.”

Is your aluminum pergola and louvered roof ready to take on intense storms?

The open-air elegance of patio pergolas with slat roofs is perfect for a gentle breeze, but can make them vulnerable to the violent forces of hurricane winds. These storm winds pack powerful uplift and lateral forces.

Wind uplift occurs when gusts of wind flow beneath the roof, generating upward pressure that can lift the entire structure off its base. Lateral forces push a pergola horizontally, causing it to lean or even collapse.

The key defense against these powerful forces? A reinforced frame.

“Strong, well-engineered frames act as the backbone of your pergola,” notes Heneveld. “Aluminum is the ideal material for a pergola’s frame. It combines the strength needed to resist bending or breaking with a lighter weight that reduces strain on the foundation.”

PERGOLUX’s pergolas feature reinforced frames engineered to withstand intense storms with confidence. In fact, their latest model, the Skydance Series 3 Pergola, is specially crafted to endure winds up to 165 mph, which means that even when fierce hurricanes like Milton sweep through, these pergolas remain intact.

Reinforced aluminum frames designed with thickened beams and precision connections stand up to wind uplift and lateral pressure. Hurricane-rated bolts, brackets, and screws hold everything tightly together to prevent ‌weak points that storms so often exploit. When each joint is reinforced and well-anchored, your pergola can remain a steadfast retreat despite the wildest weather. Thicker beams and columns combined with robust engineering techniques give these pergolas superior strength. Extra support brackets, hidden fasteners, and precise assembly methods ensure the frame endures.

Elevated bases can protect your luxury pergola from floods

Along with high winds, storms bring torrential rain. Rising water can undermine structural footings and rot wooden materials, which can destabilize the entire installation.

An elevated base is a strategic line of defense. “By constructing your pergola on raised concrete footings or piers, you create a gap between the ground and the structure,” notes Heneveld. “During a flood, it keeps the water at bay. The elevation also prevents erosion caused by pooling rainwater.”

The best-quality outdoor pergolas offer high-grade materials and cutting-edge engineering

The key element of any storm-ready outdoor structure is its materials. PERGOLUX chooses 6063-T5 aluminum, a marine-grade alloy renowned for its incredible strength and exceptional resistance to corrosion, even when exposed to salty sea air and humid conditions.

“A wooden or vinyl pergola may look great at first,” says Heneveld, “but they often require costly upkeep or replacement after just a few seasons of storm damage. Our reinforced aluminum pergolas will give you years of worry-free durability. It will remain strong and look fantastic, no matter the weather.”

PERGOLUX’s advanced engineering solutions also protect what is inside the structure. Their patented RainLUX™ integrated gutter system channels rainwater away, preventing leaks that can damage furniture and floors.

“We offer a 10-year warranty to back up all of our claims,” Heneveld says. “It’s our commitment that these structures will protect your home’s exterior environment for years to come. We want you to focus on enjoying the moments that matter in your pergola, not on the coming storms.”

Practical outdoor living tips to prepare your louvered pergola kit before storm season

Even the strongest pergola will fare better when prepped for a coming storm. “Make sure to secure your loose items,” Heneveld warns. “Before a storm, remove furniture, planters, and décor. All of these can become hazardous projectiles.”

When homeowners hear that a storm is on the way, they will want to fully secure any screens or panels. Removing detachable panels before severe weather will help protect the pergola by reducing wind resistance.

Homeowners will want to take the time to routinely inspect and maintain their pergolas. A quick check for loose fasteners or other small signs of wear goes a long way in preserving the pergola’s strength.

“Combine simple preparation with a reinforced, elevated, and expertly engineered structure, and you’ll have an outdoor space built to last,” Heneveld concludes. “Investing in a storm-ready pergola is about so much more than just avoiding damage. You’re preserving a lifestyle. A long-lasting pergola will bring you years of shaded summer barbecues and fresh-air morning coffees.”