The Bingo Drug

by Hollie Sanders

Bingo can become a drug that is craved by a serious gambling addict.

This is illustrated quite clearly in the case of a woman in the United States. 61 year-old Leticia Villareal lived in the state of Arizona. In December of 2006, Ms. Villareal was pulled over by a State Trooper (police) and was found to be carrying 214 pounds of marijuana in her trunk.

Her trial for trafficking and intent to distribute illegal substances revealed that Ms. Villareal was not employed, and lived on her $274 check from the Welfare system – along with her bingo winnings that sometimes would sometimes be as much as $1000. The transport of the marijuana was a side-job of sorts that she took on to enable her to continue her bingo playing.

The result of Ms. Villareal’s charges was a 3-12 year sentence to prison. Despite the acknowledgement that the illegal activity was due to an addiction, the charges held that she needed to be held accountable for her choices. Similar to a drinking or drug problem, gambling addictions are serious, and often have devastating effects on people.

If you feel that you may have a problem with gambling, bingo games or otherwise, it is imperative to seek help immediately. If you find yourself doing things you wouldn’t ordinarily, take a close look at what is motivating you. Don’t ignore that evening you planned out with friends to stay home and play online casino games. Don’t decide that money you budgeted for your play was just not enough and withdraw more than you were planning. Find a source for help, before your luck turns like Ms. Villareal’s.