Quiz will tell you how much -- or how little -- you know about gambling

Although people might have heard about Gamblers Anonymous, a nationwide support group for those addicted to gambling, how much else do you know? Here's a chance to find out in this quiz. True or false.

1. Casinos are the most common form of gambling in this country.

2. All gamblers gamble for the same reason.

3. If luck is with you, you'll win no matter what, because luck always plays a major role in any kind of success.

4. When the subject is gambling, there's no difference between a compulsive female gambler and one who's male.

5. Attitudes about female gamblers haven't changed much in this country in the past 50 years.

6. Relatively few regular gamblers are predisposed to pathological or addictive gambling.

7. Most compulsive gambling doesn't really begin until people are in their early to mid-20s.

8. Addictive gambling is fortunately almost unknown among the elderly.

ANSWERS:

1. FALSE. Casinos make the most money, but state lotteries are the most common form of gambling. People who bet on horse or dog racing are the biggest spenders.

2. FALSE. The reasons for gambling are often complex, especially for the compulsive spender. A lot of people who are social gamblers take chances putting their money down just for fun, while the professional gambler is in it strictly for the money and usually considers it a job. The addict usually gambles in an attempt to satisfy some unconscious need.

3. FALSE. In fact, luck plays a relatively small part, and there are many other things involved in winning, such as discipline, intelligence, study, hard work and talent.

4. FALSE. Women usually start gambling later but can easily get hooked. Women are more apt to be addicted to slot machines, video poker, bingo or lotteries, whereas males are more apt to go for poker or blackjack, or to bet on sports or casino games.

5. FALSE. Years ago, a gambling woman had to fly to Las Vegas or drive to a racetrack. Society ruled that she had to be accompanied by her husband or escort. She didn't have her own credit card, checking account or job.

6. FALSE. More than 5 million Americans are pathological or problem gamblers, and a significant number of the 15 million others who gamble are predisposed to ending up as compulsive gamblers.

7. FALSE. Kids often start on playgrounds. In schoolyards, some children as young as 8 gamble every day. Compulsive gambling among adults has increased sharply, and the number is even higher among teenagers.

8. FALSE. Addictive gambling is growing among the elderly, partly because it's so accessible. Even when it's not accessible, buses are readily available to provide special tours for seniors. Many gamble because they find it fills their days -- as well as too often eating up their savings.

If you answered six or these eight questions correctly, you're better informed than most on this subject.

Write to Dr. Joyce Brothers via King Features, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019