World

As Gambling Rises in Prominence, So Too Do Addiction Rates

Published

6 years ago

July 10, 2019

Risking what you have to gain money fast is as old as money itself. It has been going on for all of human history. People have been betting on anything they could understand for millennia – be it fighting animals, rolling dice, or wondering who could run faster. People seem to have an inherent urge to risk their livelihood, as a high can develop that is just as powerful as any drug when one wins. And if that win is coming off of a string of losses, then it will just feel that much better.

Because of the risks involved with gambling, there have been attempts throughout history to outlaw the practice. These attempts have varied in their rates of success, and many countries which once practiced prohibition of gambling have since reversed their laws. Cases made in favor of gambling have revolved around the concept of personal freedom. People have a right to smoke and damage their lungs, to drink and hurt their hearts, to drive and risk injury – why not to gamble?

Besides the argument of personal freedom, arguments have also been made which stress the value of gambling, not just to the participants, but also to the states endorsing the activity. Countries that have legalized gambling experience staggering windfalls of cash by collecting a large percentage of gambling wins. It’s no secret that if you win the lottery in the United States, you’ll be paying a hefty chunk towards taxes.

It’s easy to wonder if it’s worth it though, considering the consequences of the sport – if you can call it a sport. Regulars at casinos can lose thousands of dollars a year, spending hard-earned money on lining the pockets of casino workers. The case is similar to tobacco and alcohol – it’s a definite addiction. However, the state currently seems to blame the victims of such addictions rather than their suppliers.

The argument for addicts being allowed to gamble is that at least at a state-sponsored casino, you’ll only be placing cash bets, and there is little to no chance of physical harm – unless you pick a fight with the wrong person. Illicit gambling dens and underground venues have been the sites of many violent activities. Acts of jealousy are common, repercussions for unpaid debts, and outright displays of machismo have led gambling dens to be reputed as places worth fearing. At least as long as gambling remains legalized, people can enjoy the comfort of internet gaming and high energy casino music without worrying if there are any new hospital beds available.

Casinos are making an effort to control and treat gambling addictions. Programs like GameSense, which is based in Massachusetts, are rising in prominence and popularity. These programs literally stalk the floors of casinos, keeping an eye out for those that look like they’re in need of help. These troubled souls are referred to programs where their problems might be dealt with by those who are professionally trained to treat addiction. Surprisingly, casino owners are happy to cooperate. Jacqui Krum, of Encore general counsel, says “For those individuals that need help, we want to make sure they get the help. Those are not the customers we want in our building.”

The following video will shed more light on the subject:

World

Swiss International University Enhances Student Employability with Major Global Collaborations

Published

3 days ago

November 8, 2025

Jenny Jackson

New collaborations with Citibank, Abu-Ghazaleh Global, RAK Properties, and others strengthen SIU’s commitment to connecting academic learning with global career opportunities.

Swiss International University (SIU) has already informed about the new corporate partnerships that will start in October 2025 and that they will provide students with better access to internships, training programs, and job opportunities in various fields.

The new partnerships are aligned with SIU’s goal to combine education with the real world, as they ensure that the graduates are equipped with the required knowledge, skills, and professional exposure to be successful in the global economy of today.

In the last few weeks, SIU has formed alliances with several major companies, including those from the banking, business, hospitality, real estate, and consulting sectors. The students will be actively involved in each collaboration through internships, practical training, and the career opportunities that will be given to them during or after their studies.

Among the key collaborations are

Citibank, where students of the business and finance fields will get to experience international banking operations through special training and possible hiring programs.

Abu-Ghazaleh Global has given SIU’s programs its official blessing and access to practical experience in global business, accounting, and consulting.

RAK Properties is going to give real estate and business students a chance to learn about property development, investment, and project management.

The Signature Inn Hotel Al Riqa L.L.C. offers students of hospitality a chance through real-life interrelated scenarios to gain the knowledge of front-office operations and guest management.

Al Shabaka International Businessmen Services is opening a door for the students to meet the professionals involved in global business consulting and administration.

Galadari Motor Driving Center, where students will get a clear insight into corporate management, customer relations, and operational efficiency.

Women’s First Jobs is going to help female students and graduates through career counseling, professional networking, and empowerment initiatives.

MyFounders.Club Global is building up the students and aspiring founders in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship by taking them through the process of developing and launching new ventures.

Revival AE Project Development Consultant Co., L.L.C., where students will be working on consulting for sustainable projects and environmental management.

“The partnerships that we have formed represent our commitment not only to the business world but also to the world of academia,” said the Head of Swiss International University. “We are aspiring to equip every student in SIU with the power to win the global job market through robust academic credentials, practical exposure, and a web of real opportunities. Our target is not a teacher-student relationship whose only need is the job—our students will be the ones making changes in the various fields of tomorrow.”

The academic world and the global market are the two areas where SIU, collaborating with partners at the present time, shows the institution’s continued commitment to creating a career-oriented academic environment where learning takes place beyond the walls of the classrooms.

The deadline of October 2025 is approaching, but the university is still looking to make new strategic partnerships to grow its network of global partners. It is clear from the continuous activities of the university that it is striving to offer its students worldwide the possibility of not only utilizing their skills but also being a part of the industry via employment and thus empowering them to make a difference in international markets.