It began when he was in high school, betting a few dollars on football games with friends. But then it became a decade-long gambling addiction, one that drove him to steal from his family and eventually cost them more than $10,000.Gambling troubles often start in teenage years (Newsday)

Question: When my dad died, my mother took up with a guy into drugs and booze, who ditched her after he went through all her money .Mom needs help, not money

House leaders have planned a hearing today that could tarnish Governor Deval Patrick’s proposal to license three casinos in Massachusetts, opening debate with a lineup of specialists who will describe in detail .Casino debate to open with hearing on gambling’s ills