The woman started gambling to relax and soon became so addicted she would sit at the gaming tables for days at a time without sleeping or eating. She now is suing seven casinos for $20 million.

Gambling is a terrible addiction. As the son of an inveterate gambler, this writer feels a great deal of empathy for the woman.

It is very difficult to quit gambling. It is reportedly harder to quit than heroin, because it is strictly a psychological event.

Junkies frequently get arrested or overdose. Alcoholics behave badly in public and people try to get them help.

No one can tell someone is a compulsive gambler from looking at them. They are from all walks of life. They don’t wake up with headaches or nausea. They do keep gambling.

Compulsive gamblers can be every bit or more disrupting to family than junkies or alcoholics. They will lie, cheat or steal to gamble.

The gaming industry has taken off in recent years. State after state is allowing casino gambling or slot machines.

Gaming and the lotteries are a form of voluntary taxation. Much money is generated and no legislator has to vote for an unpopular tax. Everybody wins, except for the poor sap with a gambling addiction.

If one is a high roller the casinos will lavish attention on you. They will make you feel special until the bill comes due.

There are two words the lawyer should remember as she goes to court — personal responsibility. It is no one’s fault but your own.

‘‘Oh gambling is addictive, who knew?” she probably said to herself.

What happened to the woman is a tragedy, but it is a self- induced tragedy. We need to be responsible for what we do.

It is sincerely hoped she straightens her life out and redeems herself, but it is not the casino’s fault she was weak-willed.

The casino made it easy for her but they didn’t force her to gamble. The woman was a successful lawyer who should have known better.

The spread of gaming will create more inveterate gamblers and yes the casinos will gladly take anyone’s last dollar. The devil will have his due, it is up to us not to dance with him.