One thing that does vary is whether "it's not harming me" works out. Booze in particular has massive social consequences, drunk people harm non-drinkers not just themselves. I've never worried that degenerate gamblers leaving a slot machine parlour at 2am will attack me - but outside the bars that's definitely possible which is why they're required to hire security and have police contact

▲

not-kinsale-joe 6 hours ago | parent | next [-]

People with big gambling problems do cause massive social consequences. I know of lost family homes and separation that has massive impacts on the kids. Embezzlement occurred at the accounting firm I use due to an accountant's addiction to gambling.

▲

lmz 6 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Some gamblers will inevitably run out of money and resort to crime.

▲

tialaramex 6 hours ago | parent [-]

Maybe, surely mostly white collar crime though because of the numbers involved?

Nobody trusts junkies with $100 so it makes sense that shoplifting or burglary can get them the money they need, but a lot of people who have a gambling problem are six figures down, stealing a neighbour's PS5 is a drop in the bucket.

	▲	lmz an hour ago \| parent [-]
		Oh the PS5 isn't to repay the debt. It's to bet so the big winnings can repay the debt.