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

Turkish Textile Giant Sun Textile Solution Proposal for Drought

Published

3 months ago

February 4, 2025

Jenny Jackson

While the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) are seeking solutions to combat drought through various projects, Ekoten Textile, a subsidiary of Turkey’s textile giant Sun Textile, has developed a groundbreaking project in collaboration with a technology startup to minimize the intensive water consumption in the textile industry. This pioneering project, the first of its kind globally, will enable the recycling and reuse of up to 90% of the water used in textile production.

Drought is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. According to WHO data, 40% of the global population is struggling with water scarcity. By 2030, up to 700 million people could be forced to migrate due to drought. The unconscious use of water in global production processes plays a significant role in the rapid depletion of clean water resources.

The textile industry is one of the sectors with the highest water consumption. In Turkey, while the food industry consumes 22% of the water used for industrial purposes, the textile sector follows closely with 18%. For instance, producing an average of 40 tons of products daily requires 2,500 tons of water, equivalent to the daily water consumption of approximately 10,000 people.

CLEAN WATER RESOURCES FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EVERY DAY!

In textile production, where clean water resources are heavily consumed, the innovative success of the Turkish company stands out as a global best practice. This initiative will shape the future of the industry. The wastewater recycling project, developed through intensive R&D efforts, will ensure that over 90% of the required water is sourced from recycled supplies.

The reuse of wastewater in production will transform the fate of countries operating in the textile sector. By preventing the use of clean water resources for textile production, this project will free up clean water sources that can meet the daily needs of hundreds of thousands of people.

R&D ACTIVITIES IN 38 COUNTRIES WITH 380 PARTNERS!

Sun Textile places great emphasis on R&D activities, conducting research and development efforts with 380 partners across 38 countries. Sun Textile and its subsidiary Ekoten Textile export nearly 90% of their production, solidifying their identity as a leading exporter. The company ships products to numerous destinations worldwide, including European countries, the UK, and the US. Sun Textile, the leading ready-to-wear exporter in the Aegean Region, achieved a consolidated turnover of 250 million euros in the third quarter of 2024, continuing its active growth trajectory.

OFFERING CUSTOM DESIGNS TO CUSTOMERS

Sun Textile provides its own designed collections to leading brands in Europe and the UK. Ekoten Textile, its subsidiary, is among the most respected knitted fabric manufacturers in Turkey and Europe.

With a dedicated sales team for each major customer group and five design offices in three different countries, Sun Textile creates designs tailored to its customers’ needs. Its largest clients include the Inditex Group, H&M, Jimmy Key, Tesco, Kiabi, Marks & Spencer, and Next.

Sun Textile also extends its sustainability approach to social responsibility, notably for its high ratio of female employees. The company, which went public in 2022, is also listed in dividend indexes.