American researchers doing genetic research on addictions contend that they may have found proof that some people are genetically more inclined to risk taking behaviour. The researchers have defined certain DNA structures that they say may lead to addictions including internet gambling. Nature, they say still has something to do with the equation. The Northwestern study suggests that researchers are getting closer to pinpointing specific genetic mechanisms underlying complex social and economic behavior, including, gambling and risk-taking.

We must keep in mind that risk taking in the online gambling world or financial world may be the result of the genetic makeup of players their past experiences in the casino, stock market or their cultural background, study organizers suggested.

The study, for the first time, links specific variants of two genes that regulate dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission to risk taking in financial investment decisions. That sounds very scientific for people who want to win a little money on the horses or at the slots. Participants in general, invested significantly more money in the risky wager if its expected return was higher. Conversely they invested less if the return was lower on safer bets. Significantly the survey showed people risked more when they had more money.

This study was primarily done to explain the risk taking actions in the financial world, but as is turns out the results can be applied to gambling online and otherwise. Northwestern students were given real money to make a series of investments, in each trial deciding how to allocate money between a risky and a risk-free asset.

The study’s co-investigators Camelia M. Kuhnen, assistant professor of finance and Joan Y. Chiao, assistant professor of psychology at Northwestern, were able to take advantage of advances in neuroscience methodology as well as emerging research on the two neurotransmitters’ effects on decision-making.

Kuhnen cautions, more research is needed to further understand risk taking behaviour, given the complex influences of nature versus nurture on financial decisions. Less than 30 percent of variation across people in risk-taking comes from genetics. The rest comes from experience and upbringing.

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In a press release from Florida the USACasinoDeposits.com web site launch states it will help the online gambling public in the USA place their bets.

Players in the USA are confused at best as to where to turn for information regarding online gambling. Since the ban on online gambling sites, US residents have felt just a little shy about playing their favourite casinos online. Featured on the new web site are answers to every possible question an online gambler from the USA could ask. The most pertinent information is made available in a smooth comfortable format. The site keeps to a simple listing of software providers and USA Casino deposit methods, allowing US gamers to use software they are familiar with. This web site is specifically organized to help USA participants, all aspects of the site will include player information for the entire USA.

Henry Rodriguez, Vice President in charge of Marketing for USACasinosDeposit.com said, “USA players are always searching for a one stop, gambling information source. We simply feel the need to fill that gap between USA players and casinos that accept them. We do it based on experience. Everyone that works for us, gambles online. The best way to know the product, is to use it; get a good feel for what is going on.” Mr.Rodriguez adds, “We have new resources that are soon to come online that will really help all USA casino players.”

Most online gamblers first search for the bonuses offered by various casinos. This new web site punches through the information quickly and simply providing gamblers with the latest bonus codes available.

Rodriguez has suggested that the American gambling public really enjoys Sports betting above all gaming activities. USACasinoDeposits.com features a section on sportsbook deposit methods for players from the USA giving gamblers from the states a chance to get excited about wagering on sports.

USACasinoDeposits looks to be a winner on all accounts. The most comprehensive guide to online gambling for Americans to date.

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As reported by the San Jose Mercury News: “Its nickname is ‘the Castle.’

“Investigators say the home on Newhall Avenue in San Francisco was a hub of identity theft, drug trafficking and illegal online gambling.

“Authorities from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday they arrested four people after serving a search warrant at ‘the Castle.’

“Members of the Santa Clara County-based Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team descended on a home in San Francisco’s Bay View/Hunters Point District following an ongoing high-tech criminal investigation. The probe was sparked by street information stemming from informants in San Mateo County, according to David Hendrickson, an investigator with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office who headed the task force.

“After working on the case for about a year, authorities say ‘the Castle’ served as an ‘after hours’ illegal gaming operation, or small-time casino, equipped with slot machines and other illegal gaming devices.

“The raid was conducted Jan. 30, but officials only released the information Wednesday…”

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As reported by the Philadelphia Daily News: “Nicholas ‘Nicky the Hat’ Cimino may have operated an illegal online gambling enterprise based in Delaware County, but he’s not about to engage in the notoriously risky business of diming out Philly mobsters.

“‘He’s not a rat,’ Cimino’s attorney, Stephen Patrizio, said yesterday as he left the courthouse in Media, after Cimino, 49, had pleaded guilty to participating in a corrupt organization, money laundering, bookmaking and related counts, and was sentenced to 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison.

“Patrizio felt compelled - probably with good reason - to explain to Judge Frank Hazel that his client hasn’t flipped and won’t be testifying against any co-defendants, including reputed Philadelphia mob associate Louis ‘Bent Finger Lou’ Monacello, who prosecutors say answers to jailed former consigliere George Borgesi.

“…Cimino and 16 others were busted last summer as a result of the ‘Operation Delco Nostra’ organized-crime investigation.

“Authorities say the gambling and loan-sharking operation took in more than $200,000 in wagers per week and included a secret casino, which operated below a Ridley Township gynecologist’s office and featured card games, gambling and prostitutes.

“Yesterday’s guilty plea was the first major conviction stemming from the probe…”

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Each year, the National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that two to three percent of the U.S. population has a gambling problem. In raw numbers, that means six to nine million Americans will at some level or another be having trouble coping with gambling activities.

From March 1st through 7th, 2009 the NCPG will present the annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Week. This year Awareness Week will hit the internet on YouTube which currently features a dozen Public Service Announcements (PSAs) regarding the issues. Social networking is the key focus for the You Tube presentation.

Awareness Week Chair Jeff Beck commented, “We decided to use YouTube because it is popular with kids and young adults who are at greater risk for gambling problems. We already have a dozen videos and hope that recovering gamblers will create their own spots to highlight the theme of Real Addiction, Real Recovery.” Social networking is the key focus for the YouTube presentation.

Linda Abonyo NCPG Program Manager says, “Online social networking sites provide a cost effective and confidential forum for individuals to interact with peers and experts without having to leave their home or office. More and more people are finding it easier to communicate through e-mail, online forums, and text messaging, so it makes sense that we should consider reaching out to our constituents through these outlets.”

The NCPG is an old institution dating back to 1972, but it is obviously still thinking young. YouTube and the internet is the way to get help to those that need it. Awareness is the first step to solving problems before they get serious. We should all applaud any effort to make gambling and of course online gambling safer and more responsible.

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