Scientists Are Saying That There Is A "Gambling Gene" That Could Be Ingrained In Your DNA
Daily Mail - Gambling addicts' impulsive behaviour may be ingrained in their DNA, a study has suggested.
Psychologists from the University of British Colombia, Canada, have found siblings of problem gamblers show a similar propensity to take risks.
The findings suggest endless hours in casinos do not cultivate impulsive and risk-taking traits, but rather they are already in your genes.
Well this is some rather refreshing news! I know I don't talk about it too much publicly, but I do like to dabble in handicapping sports. In fact, I've dabbled in it since I was 13 years old and my dad tried to teach me a lesson about how sports betting can ruin your life. He made me track my picks for a month and see how much hard earned money I'd lose. Well unfortunately for Dad, I was on a HEATER that month, and he got me hooked for life. So yeah, now I've gone through the last 15 years thinking I was some sort of financially illiterate piece of stuff for giving away darn near all of my money each week because I can't pick the winners of random sporting events, but it turns out it's not my problem at all! Gambling is not a choice. It's unavoidable. It's literally in your DNA.
Like the great Lady Gaga once said, baby I was born this way! Just like sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, or muscular dystrophy. Some people just can't avoid it! Some people are just born to gamble.
So doesn't this mean that if you're born with the gambling gene, couldn't it be considered a disability? I don't want to get too technical here, but a disability is defined as "a disadvantage, whether a physical or mental condition, that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities". I mean that hits the nail on the head. Have you ever experienced a bad beat? Or owning your bookie more than you've got? That turns into both a physical and mental condition.
My mind is racing right now. I mean, can you get financial aid to go to college if you're born with this gambler gene? Can you get one of those blue passes to park wherever you want? I can just see it now. Wake up in the morning.....research and bet the slate of games.....drive right to the stadium and park in the front row. Move out of the way folks, I'm a gambler!
Thoughts and prayers to everyone suffering through the gambling gene. I know it's not easy. But I'll tell you what is easy: Ravens -11 on Sunday. The Bengals STINK.