By Cooper Gregg/Editor-in-Chief

While not the most physically threatening addiction on the surface, gambling addiction is one that has gone under the radar for many people.

Gambling has been so worked into the everyday lives of people, and many do not see their addiction for what it is, which is where the problem lies.

Many see gambling addiction as something that is relatively inconsequential. Some think those suffering from a gambling addiction may simply waste a bit of money and nothing more; however, this is not the case. Gambling addiction can be very dangerous.

“Gambling disorder has been shown to carry the highest suicide risk out of any other substance use or addictive disorder. Studies show that roughly one in two gamblers will think about suicide and one in five gamblers will attempt suicide,” according to the American Psychiatric Association.

Gambling has become nearly unavoidable for many, especially fans of sports. Sports betting has become such a major part in the culture surrounding sports, and even those who do not wish to partake are being bombarded by it.

“On average, gambling logos and ads were shown 3.5 times per minute during the NHL games, with the most saturated game featuring 4.7 gambling-related marketing instances per minute – equating to one every 13 seconds,” according to Anna Betts of “The Guardian.”

Advertisements are not the only way that gambling is imposed on people. For children and students, parents are a major factor in a person’s gambling tendencies.

“If other family or household members gamble, that is a risk factor for kids becoming problem gamblers, and many parents are unaware that gambling in front of their kids is bad,” according to Jessica Grose of “The New York Times.”

This parental influence is the case for Sophomore Achilles Zendejas, who participates in sports betting roughly twice a week.

“[It was] my dad and just watching sports,” Zendejas said. “[He] taught me how to do it.”

Much like many who participate in sports betting, Zendejas does not believe he is addicted and does not see any major issue in sports betting.

“I think I can stop, but [the] issue is I like to win money,” Zendejas said.

Gambling being introduced to children does not stop at sports as another major industry where gambling thrives is with video games. Many modern games feature randomized “loot boxes” that can be purchased at an additional cost, even if the game itself was free.

“Loot boxes have been a topic of concern both nationally and internationally over concerns that they encourage gambling-like behavior or use concerning tactics that can encourage addictive consumer spending, even in games targeting young children,” according to Jason Osborne of “Forbes.”

Gambling addiction is one that should not go unnoticed as its risks are far more than the obvious, and this issue continues to be relevant and promoted.

“Gambling harm increases as gambling markets expand, challenging the health and well-being of populations,” according to the World Health Organization.

Gambling is not going anywhere anytime soon as many countries, including the United States, use gambling as a source of revenue. This certainly should be questioned by the public, as it is prioritizing financial gain over public health and safety.

“In countries where gambling has been legalized, governments typically receive substantial taxation revenues. This can create some dependence, creating disincentives to reduce harm. Perceived economic benefits of gambling markets may have precedence over poorly understood effects on health and well-being,” according to the World Health Organization.