Legalize Gambling, Multiply Despair

Legalizing gambling correlates with a significant rise in bankruptcies, ranging from 20 to 35 percent. This trend raises concerns about increasing addiction rates among young men, particularly to gambling and various drugs. The suicide rate among gambling addicts is notably high due to the secrecy surrounding their struggles, contrasting with more visible addictions like meth. As gambling becomes more mainstream, it is likely that more young men will fall into addiction, leading to a surge in rehab facilities and support services. The alarming increase in deaths of despair among young men, as evidenced by a study showing a loss comparable to casualties in World War II, suggests a deepening crisis. Consequently, the prosperity of gaming industries and private equity firms investing in addiction treatment facilities is predictable, while the demand for treatments, including innovative drugs, is anticipated to rise as more individuals grapple with addiction.