The Editor, Sir:

For millions of people, gambling offers a harmless and entertaining diversion from everyday life. For others, however, the simple act of placing a bet is a vastly different experience. What seems a moment of elation or excitement for some gamblers is in reality a moment of overwhelming compulsion - a moment in which these people have lost the ability to control their gambling behaviours. These individual cannot resist the impulse to gamble - they are compulsive gamblers.

The social gambler differs from the compulsive gambler in that he or she can quit gambling anytime, win or lose. This seems due to three factors:

1) There is no self-esteem tied into winning or losing;

2) Other aspects of their lives are more important and rewarding; d

3) They rarely have a big win.

Seventy-five per cent of people who gamble are sociable gamblers. They do it for enjoyment and entertainment and gambling has little effect on their lives.

Problem gamblers make up about 20 per cent. For these people, losses can cause some financial and family problems, but not so bad that families or jobs are jeopardised.

Compulsive gamblers are estimated at five per cent. For them, their gambling behaviour com-promises, disrupts, or damages personal, family, or vocational pursuits. As the compulsive gamblers enter the desperation phase, white-collar crime and embezzlements will occur. They will eventually become severely depressed and have suicidal thoughts or plans.

I am, etc.,

ARNIE WEXLER

aswexler@aol.com

Bradley Beach, NJ

Via Go-Jamaica