The real loss by gambling is $180,000 to the consumer economy for each slot machine

Besides creating more compulsive gamblers, money spent on lotteries isn't spent on other goods such as clothing or computers, which would trickle through to retailers, manufacturers and other parts of the economy

Another threat to stability is the rise of Internet gambling

Clothing sales plummet, rent delinquencies mount and even grocery sales shrink as gamblers, having tapped out their entertainment budgets, dip into dollars set aside for necessities

Gamblers spend 10 percent less on food; 25 percent less on clothing and 35 percent less on savings

The socio-economic impact of gambling addiction is comparable to drug and alcohol addiction

Thirty-seven percent of gamblers dip into their savings to fulfill their habit